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Oversight Board Selects Case on Breast Cancer Symptoms and Nudity

Note: For future Facebook updates about Oversight Board cases, please visit the Transparency Center

Update on February 25, 2021 at 10:00AM PT:

As noted below, Facebook previously reinstated this content as it did not violate our policies. The board issued their binding decision for this case last month confirming that this content should remain up. At that time they also issued a series of non-binding recommendations which we are responding to in the table below. Simultaneously we’ve started the process of ensuring identical content with parallel context remains up in line with the board’s decision.

Update on January 28, 2021 at 7:00AM PT:

We welcome the Oversight Board’s decision today on this case. Facebook previously reinstated this content as it did not violate our policies and was removed in error so no further action will be taken on this content.

In accordance with the bylaws, we will also initiate a review of identical content with parallel context. If we determine that we have the technical and operational capacity to take action on that content as well, we will do so promptly. For more information, please see our post about how we will implement the board’s decisions. We will update this post again once any further action is taken on other identical content with parallel context.

After conducting a review of the policy advisory statement provided by the board in addition to their decision, we will update this post.

Originally published on December 1, 2020 at 5:45AM PT:

Today, the Oversight Board selected a case appealed by someone on Instagram regarding photos with nudity related to breast cancer symptoms.

Facebook took down this content for violating our policy on Adult Nudity and Sexual Activity, as laid out in our Community Standards. However upon further review we determined we removed this content in error and have reinstated it. We continue to welcome the board’s review of this case – any decision they make on the content will be binding, and we welcome any policy guidance related to it.

We will implement the board’s decision once it has finished deliberating, and we will update this post accordingly. Please see the board’s website for the decision when they issue it.