Additionally, the advisory group suggested that Meta prepare for the possibility of the World Health Organization (WHO) lifting the emergency status of COVID-19, emphasizing the need to protect freedom of expression and human rights in such circumstances. In May, the WHO indeed lifted its COVID-19 emergency designation, prompting Meta to respond to the Oversight Board’s recommendations.
In an updated blog post, Meta stated, “We will take a more tailored approach to our COVID-19 misinformation rules consistent with the Board’s guidance and our existing policies. In countries that have a COVID-19 public health emergency declaration, we will continue to remove content for violating our COVID-19 misinformation policies given the risk of imminent physical harm.” The company also noted that it is consulting with health experts to identify the specific types of misinformation that could still pose a significant risk.
