A report by 7amleh, the Arab Center for the Advancement of Social Media, has highlighted the “devastating” impact of Meta’s content moderation policies on Palestinian digital expression. Based on testimonies from Palestinian journalists, influencers, and media professionals, the report details widespread shadow-banning, account deletions, and restrictions on Facebook and Instagram, exacerbated since the escalation in Gaza in October 2023.

The findings reveal a significant decline in audience engagement for Palestinian accounts, with some experiencing up to 60% drops in visibility. Content creators reported frequent suspensions, the loss of essential features such as live streaming, and repeated deletions of their accounts. Such actions have led to financial losses, emotional distress, and increased self-censorship among Palestinian users.

7amleh documented over 15 million posts in Hebrew inciting violence against Palestinians across social media platforms but noted that Palestinian content continues to face disproportionate scrutiny. The organisation criticised Meta’s practices as discriminatory and in violation of international standards on freedom of expression, urging the company to reform its policies to protect Palestinian digital rights.

Meta has denied deliberate suppression of Palestinian voices, attributing its actions to temporary measures tied to the conflict. However, the report underscores the urgent need to address these policies, as social media remains a vital platform for Palestinians to share information and seek help amidst ongoing violence and frequent communication blackouts in Gaza.

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