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An Open Letter to Meta

www.outmaking.games/meta-open-le...
Dear Meta, The recent changes to Meta’s content moderation policies put at least 9% of adults around the world at risk. We are Out Making Games (“OMG”), a network of hundreds of LGBTQ+ games professionals, representing millions of LGBTQ+ gamers and individuals around the world. We are writing to express serious concerns about the recent changes to Meta’s content moderation policies and their potential implications for online safety and inclusion for millions around the world. A global survey in 2023 found nearly 1 in 10 adults across 30 countries identify as LGBTQ+. Many will be customers of Meta via Facebook, Instagram, Threads, or the Oculus VR gaming platform and will be put at risk by Meta’s decision to reduce certain automated content filtering mechanisms. Social media platforms serve as crucial spaces for connection, support, and identity expression for many LGBTQ+ individuals, especially those in areas with limited in-person community resources. While potentially aimed at promoting broader dialogue, the changes risk creating an environment where harmful speech can proliferate more easily, and compromising these vital digital spaces. Reduced automated filtering will allow subtle forms of harassment to slip through more frequently. While explicit hate speech might still be caught, coded language and implicit bias often require more nuanced detection systems. The LGBTQ+ community has historically been targeted through such subtle messaging tactics and according to numerous studies, increased exposure to anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric online correlates with higher rates of mental health challenges and decreased feelings of safety in LGBTQ+ communities.The changes will also likely lead LGBTQ+ users to self-censor or withdraw from platforms entirely due to increased exposure to hostile content. This would effectively silence valuable voices and perspectives in our online discourse - and considerably reduce your user base. We urge Meta to consider: Conducting a thorough impact assessment of these moderation changes, specifically examining effects on marginalized communities. Consulting with LGBTQ+ advocacy organizations and safety experts before implementing further policy changes. Implementing better transparent reporting mechanisms to track and respond to increases in targeted harassment. Maintaining robust appeals processes for both removed content and missed violations Your platforms have the power to shape public discourse and influence social attitudes. With this power comes the responsibility to ensure all users can participate safely in online spaces. While content moderation involves complex tradeoffs between freedom of expression and user safety, history shows that undermoderation often disproportionately impacts vulnerable communities. We look forward to hearing your response and learning about concrete steps Meta will take to protect LGBTQ+ users while maintaining open dialogue on your platforms. Best regards, Out Making Games
January 29, 2025 at 2:44 PM