This archive report was first published on 7 May 2020.
On May 7, 2020, Facebook announced the appointment of human rights activist Maina Kiai to its Oversight Board, a 20-member panel that will independently review content moderation decisions on Facebook and Instagram.
Mr. Kiai, currently the director of Global Alliances and Partnerships at Human Rights Watch, joins 19 other experts from various fields, including law, journalism, academia, and human rights.
The Oversight Board is a significant development in Facebook's efforts to address concerns over content moderation and disinformation on its platforms.
"The oversight board represents a new model of content moderation for Facebook and Instagram," said a statement from Facebook. "The board will review whether content is consistent with Facebook and Instagram's policies and values, as well as a commitment to upholding freedom of expression within the framework of international norms of human rights."
The board is composed of four co-chairs and 16 board members, with members drawn from across the world. Board members are independently contracted to the board and cannot be removed by Facebook.
"Our financial independence is also guaranteed by the establishment of a $130 million trust fund that is completely independent of Facebook," explained the statement in part.
The inauguration of the Oversight Board comes following mounting criticism by regulators across the world on Facebook's role in curbing the spread of disinformation and extremist ideology on its platforms.
