COMMENTS TO META OVERSIGHT BOARD: NEW CASES INVOLVE SYMBOLS ADOPTED BY DANGEROUS ORGANIZATIONS

In response to the Meta Oversight Board’s call for public comments, CASCA has contributed a comprehensive analysis of three recent Instagram cases involving extremist symbols. These cases highlight the ongoing challenge of distinguishing between historical or cultural symbols and their misuse by extremist groups. The reported cases involved the kolovrat, iron cross, and Odal rune, all of which have been appropriated by far-right groups. While Meta removed two posts after expert review, the third remained online, raising concerns about inconsistent enforcement and the reliance on reactive moderation.

Our analysis emphasizes the complexities of moderating symbols with multiple meanings at scale. We highlight the need for a context-aware moderation system, as automated tools struggle to differentiate between legitimate cultural expression and extremist propaganda. Additionally, we examine how neo-Nazi and extremist content is disguised through coded language and symbolic imagery to bypass content moderation.

To strengthen Meta’s approach, we propose key recommendations, including the enhancement of AI-driven detection to recognize contextual factors beyond simple symbol recognition, collaborating with experts in history, culture, and marginalized communities to refine moderation policies, implementing a tiered review process that prioritizes high-risk content for human assessment, and improving transparency in content moderation decisions to build public trust.