Oversight Board

The Oversight Board’s content decisions are binding, meaning Meta must follow them, while its broader recommendations do not have to be adopted13. In a case involving breast-cancer symptoms and nudity, Facebook had already restored content removed in error before the Board confirmed in January 2021 that it should remain up3. Meta’s Newsroom reported in May 2022 that Board recommendations had prompted two in-depth policy reviews that could lead to consideration of specific changes2. Meta’s research described in that report explored how people’s voices could be incorporated into appeals and review processes, rather than reporting an implemented change to Instagram appeals2. Another Board recommendation prompted Meta to publish counts of content allowed on newsworthiness grounds and commit to reporting those figures regularly4.

To begin challenging an Instagram removal that could later reach the Oversight Board, open Profile → Menu → Help under More info and support → Support requests → Violations → the decision update → See options → Request review, then follow the on-screen instructions5. While Instagram rechecks the content, check progress in Account Status or by opening the violation in the Support Inbox; Instagram sends a push notification when it decides and reposts the content if it finds a mistake5. If you remain dissatisfied, Instagram’s Help Center says a Board appeal may be available, without promising that every dispute qualifies5.