Well, Meta’s done it again, folks. They’ve decided to amend their content moderation policies to allow more hateful speech on their platforms. Because clearly, we don’t already have enough negativity on the internet.
Are intolerance levels not high enough for you, Zuck? Apparently not, because here we are, rolling out the red carpet for trolls. It’s absurd. Truly. Meta’s gone and done the one thing literally no one asked for. Again.
According to Platformer, Meta’s updated guidelines now let people post things like “Trans people aren’t real. They’re mentally ill” and “Women are crazy.” Lovely. So, if you thought Facebook, Instagram and Threads were cesspools before, buckle up because it’s about to get a lot worse.
What Do These Changes Mean?
The short version? Meta reckons this is all about encouraging “political and religious discourse.” The longer version? They’ve decided that attacking people for their gender, sexuality, or existence is now acceptable under the guise of “common non-serious usage.” You know, because calling someone a freak is just banter, apparently.
Let’s break it down: under these new rules, you can claim transgender people are “mentally ill” or call them “it” without breaking the rules. You can dismiss women as “crazy” and say, “gays aren’t normal.” All while Meta insists they believe in removing “dehumanising speech.” If that’s not the definition of doublespeak, I don’t know what is.
A Dangerous Time to Be Marginalised
These changes aren’t happening in a vacuum. In the US alone, over 550 anti-LGBTQ+ bills were introduced last year, with many specifically targeting trans people. Books about queer experiences are being pulled from libraries, kids are being denied basic healthcare, and hate crimes are on the rise.
For trans and gender-diverse people, this is terrifying. Last year, at least 36 trans and gender-nonconforming people were murdered in the US, half of whom were Black trans women. These aren’t abstract figures. They’re real people who deserve better than this relentless wave of hate and violence.
But sure, Meta. Let’s amplify that rhetoric. What could possibly go wrong?
Meta’s Logic (or Lack Thereof)
Alex Schultz, Meta’s chief marketing officer and the company’s highest-ranking queer exec, suggested that seeing hate speech against LGBTQ+ people online might actually inspire people to support queer rights. I mean, call me old-fashioned, but if your business plan hinges on “people will see all this bigotry and magically grow a conscience,” maybe it’s time to rethink your approach.
And let’s not forget Meta’s public commitment to making their platforms safe and inclusive. The same company that says they’re all about “removing dehumanising speech” now allows people to call trans kids fake and deny non-binary people’s existence. That makes sense, right?
Why This Matters
Speech matters. Words shape how people see the world, and letting malicious language thrive online doesn’t just hurt feelings. It creates real harm. It feeds prejudice, normalises discrimination, and gives people the go-ahead to deny others their humanity.
Meta’s updated policies feel like a giant middle finger to marginalised communities. They’re sending a clear message: we care more about appeasing people who attack strangers for existing than protecting vulnerable individuals.
What Can We Do?
Let’s face it. Meta’s not going to fix this anytime soon. But that doesn’t mean we’re powerless. Support LGBTQ+ organisations, report harmful content when you see it, and hold tech companies accountable for their policies.
And if you’re feeling extra spicy, maybe let Meta know what you think about their new rules. Just be careful not to get banned. They’re surprisingly quick to crack down on criticism, even while letting the bigots run free.
(Shoutout to Platformer for their reporting on this issue. If you want to rage-read the details, check out their original article below.)
