Session title: Finding Common Ground: A Human Rights Approach to Online Content Moderation

Speakers:

• Holly Richards (Oversight Board)
• Pamela San Martín (Former Electoral Councilor at the National Electoral Institute (INE) in Mexico, Oversight Board Member)

Pamela San Martin and Holly Richards kicked off the session by emphasizing the role of Oversight Boards in regulating social media platforms. They highlighted the necessity of nurturing dialogues that encapsulate diverse perspectives. They discussed the background and role of a new Board member, detailing their strong foothold in human rights and electoral work. Driven by a passion for protecting individuals’ rights, they see the Board as an essential aspect of governance.

The core discussion revolved around the Oversight Board’s function and viewpoint. The Board operates in synergy with social media platforms, with a central focus on user protection. It strives to mitigate the unintended fallout that may stem from certain decisions taken by social media platforms, especially during high-profile events.