Facebook will create an independent oversight group to review content moderation appeals

Facebook will create an independent oversight body to adjudicate appeals on content moderation issues, the company said. CEO Mark Zuckerberg said that the group, which will be formed in the next year, will attempt to balance an effort to expand the right to free speech with the need to keep people safe around the world. “I believe independence is important for a few reasons,” Zuckerberg said in a note posted to Facebook. “First, it will prevent the concentration of too much decision-making within our teams. Second, it will create accountability and oversight. Third, it will provide assurance that these decisions are made in the best interests of our community and not for commercial reasons.”