GLAAD calls for action in response to Meta’s continued failure to adequately moderate anti-trans hate content.

This blog originally appeared at ADVOCATE.

GLAAD is criticizing Meta for its ongoing failure to effectively moderate anti-trans content on its platforms.

Amid an intensifying debate regarding social media’s responsibility in protecting LGBTQ+ individuals, GLAAD, a leading advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and representation, has strongly rebuked Meta for its ongoing inadequacy in moderating anti-transgender hate content. The rebuke was issued on Friday following Meta’s response to a decision by its Oversight Board concerning a concerning case of anti-trans content on one of its platforms.

Roughly eight weeks ago, the Oversight Board, vested with the authority to render non-binding yet precedent-establishing judgments on content moderation across Meta’s platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Threads, reversed the company’s initial verdict to permit a post containing hateful rhetoric targeting transgender individuals to persist online.

Meta initially deemed a Facebook post, which appeared innocuous at first glance but contained imagery and text hinting at harm directed towards a gender identity-defined group, as non-violative. However, upon reevaluation, Meta recognized the content as infringing its Hate Speech policy, which prohibits content advocating harm or suicide against individuals or groups based on protected characteristics, including gender identity.

The post in question, which encouraged harm to trans people, highlighted a broader issue of Meta’s systemic failure to enforce its community standards against anti-LGBTQ hate speech, GLAAD noted.

Meta’s response to the Oversight Board’s ruling stated that it is “assessing feasibility” for more effectively moderating content representing gender identity through symbolic imagery without depicting human figures, as reported by Meta’s Transparency Center. However, GLAAD and other LGBTQ+ advocacy organizations view this response as insufficient, emphasizing the need for tangible action, which Meta has yet to provide despite months of demands.

Jenni Olson, senior director of the GLAAD Social Media Safety Program, voiced frustration over the timing of Meta’s Friday afternoon statement, issued just before the 60-day deadline set by the Oversight Board for public responses to its rulings.

GLAAD’s concerns were previously expressed in a June 2023 open letter, co-signed by over 250 LGBTQ+ celebrities, influencers, and allies, addressed to Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg and other social media leaders. The letter denounced the widespread dissemination of anti-trans hate and harmful misinformation about transgender healthcare on the company’s platforms. It underscored the tangible repercussions, such as threats against healthcare providers and patients fueled by online hate and misinformation. Despite this direct call for action, Meta has not publicly outlined a plan to tackle these systemic issues.

GLAAD’s criticism is grounded in thorough research, including insights from its 2023 Social Media Safety Index. This index assesses the policies and practices of major social media platforms concerning LGBTQ+ user safety. According to GLAAD, the report exposes deficiencies in policy enforcement and moderator training regarding LGBTQ+ content. These shortcomings contribute to an environment where anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric not only endures but flourishes.

Sarah Kate Ellis, President and CEO of GLAAD, stated in a press release, “Meta’s continuous lapses in enforcing their own policies against anti-LGBTQ, particularly anti-trans hate, are utterly unacceptable.”

Ellis added, “The company has eroded the trust of its LGBTQ users, and genuine action is needed to start rebuilding it.”