In a critical review, the quasi-independent Meta Oversight Board highlighted the inadequacy of Meta’s policies concerning manipulated media, labeling them as “incoherent.” The board’s scrutiny followed the spread of an altered video of President Joe Biden on Facebook, exposing gaps in Meta’s current policy. The board recommends expanding the policy beyond AI-generated videos, emphasizing the need to address manipulated media regardless of its creation method, including fake audio recordings. Additionally, it suggests Meta clarify the harms it aims to prevent and opt for labeling manipulated content instead of outright removal.
The feedback underscores the challenges tech companies face in handling election-related misinformation, with voters in over 50 countries heading to the polls this year. As deepfakes and lower-quality “cheap fakes” pose threats to accurate information, platforms are navigating the balance between combatting false posts and safeguarding users’ free speech rights. The Oversight Board urges Meta to refine its policy, emphasizing the importance of political speech protection while closing existing gaps.
Meta is currently reviewing the Oversight Board’s recommendations and commits to responding publicly within 60 days. The board’s assessment, in response to the altered Biden video, reflects the broader scrutiny tech companies face for their role in curbing misinformation and preserving the integrity of elections globally.