Free Speech on Social Media: The Complete Guide

Removes misinformation related to physical harm or violence, harmful health misinformation, voter or census interference and manipulated media, as determined by expert, independent third-party partners. “For all other misinformation, we focus on reducing its prevalence or creating an environment that fosters a productive dialogue” by partnering with fact-checking organizations and directing users to authoritative content.

Impersonating others, fake or misleading product ratings or reviews and accounts created to mislead others are not allowed.

“We remove specific claims, presented as fact, that are demonstrably false or substantially misleading and likely to cause harm. Content that is false or substantially misleading but not likely to cause harm is not eligible for distribution beyond the author’s network.” Fake profile information, fraud and scams are also not permitted.

No specific policy, but rules include “do not cheat or engage in content manipulation (including spamming, vote manipulation, ban evasion, or subscriber fraud)” and “don’t impersonate an individual or an entity in a misleading or deceptive manner.”

“We prohibit spreading false information that causes harm or is malicious, such as denying the existence of tragic events, unsubstantiated medical claims, undermining the integrity of civic processes, or manipulating content for false or misleading purposes (whether through generative AI or through deceptive editing). We prohibit pretending to be someone (or something) that you’re not, or attempting to deceive people about who you are. This includes impersonating your friends, celebrities, public figures, brands, or other people or organizations for harmful, non-satirical purposes.”

“We do not allow inaccurate, misleading, or false content that may cause significant harm to individuals or society, regardless of intent.” It defines harm as physical, psychological or societal, but not commercial or reputational. Accuracy is assessed by independent fact-checking partners. Artificial or manipulated media must be disclosed and cannot depict real private figures.

Authenticity policies ban using the platform “in a manner intended to artificially amplify or suppress information or engage in behavior that manipulates or disrupts people’s experience,” “for the purpose of manipulating or interfering in elections or other civic processes,” to “impersonate individuals, groups, or organizations to mislead, confuse, or deceive others, nor use a fake identity in a manner that disrupts the experience of others,” or to “deceptively share synthetic or manipulated media that are likely to cause harm.” It also bans denial of violent events.

Manipulated or misattributed content is not allowed, nor is content to mislead census participants or voters, unless it includes additional context to dispute or satirize that content. “[C]ontent that poses a serious risk of egregious harm by spreading medical misinformation that contradicts local health authorities’ (LHAs) or the World Health Organization’s (WHO) guidance about specific health conditions and substances” is not allowed.