Meta employees are opposing content moderation policy changes: Here's why
What's the story
Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, is facing a major internal revolt.
The discontent arises from recent changes in content moderation policies that some employees feel undermine LGBTQ+ rights.
The updated policy permits users to label LGBTQ+ individuals as "mentally ill," a move that has triggered outrage among staffers.
The change is part of a broader push by CEO Mark Zuckerberg to prioritize "free expression" over strict moderation practices.
Dissent
Employee backlash and mental health concerns
The policy change has sparked widespread dissent within Meta, with employees voicing their disappointment and anger on the company's internal platform, Workplace.
Some LGBTQ+ employees have even taken leave to focus on their mental health, while others are considering leaving the company altogether.
The new policy is being viewed as a betrayal of Meta's stated values by its own workforce.
Controversy
Meta's policy change sparks internal debate
Meta's leadership has defended the policy changes as a means to prevent "mission creep" in content moderation and encourage discussions on contentious issues.
However, many employees argue this new approach disproportionately affects the LGBTQ+ community and promotes hate speech.
Internal threads reveal staff questioning whether the policy aligns with scientific consensus or Meta's alleged values, and demanding transparency about its formulation process.
Past issues
Meta's history of content moderation controversies
Notably, this isn't the first time Meta has found itself at the center of a content moderation controversy.
The company has been criticized in the past for inconsistent policy enforcement and failing to protect marginalized groups.
In 2024, reports emerged that Meta had drastically cut down its content moderation teams, resulting in accusations that it was failing to fulfill its responsibility to maintain safe online spaces.
Policy changes
Revised policy removes prohibitions on discriminatory rhetoric
The updated Hateful Conduct policy not only allows derogatory speech against LGBTQ+ individuals but also lifts bans on discriminatory language against other protected characteristics.
The policy now allows users to refer to women as "property," and entire ethnic groups as "diseases."
This new stance has scrapped Meta's previous position that hateful conduct creates an "environment of intimidation and exclusion," and recognizes the potential for offline violence.
Accusations
Allegations of political motivations behind policy shift
Some employees and analysts suspect the policy shift is politically motivated.
They argue Zuckerberg is trying to appeal to right-leaning audiences, especially considering the 2024 US elections.
These critics cite Meta's inconsistent rule enforcement and allegations of bias as evidence of a strategic attempt to gain favor with conservative figures, including Donald Trump.