Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has decided to lift its blanket ban on the use of the word “shaheed” (martyr) following recommendations from its Oversight Board.

The company had previously banned the word due to concerns that it could be used to glorify violence. However, the Oversight Board found that the ban was too broad and could censor people who are simply discussing violence in conflict-hit areas.

The board also noted that the word “shaheed” has multiple meanings, not all of which are related to violence.

As a result, Meta has agreed to adopt a more nuanced approach that will better protect freedom of expression while still ensuring that the most harmful content is removed.

The change in policy is expected to have a significant impact on users, particularly those from Arabic-speaking and Muslim communities.

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Millions of users have had content unfairly taken down due to the ban on the word “shaheed.”

The Oversight Board member Paolo Carozza welcomed the change, saying that it is “the right thing to do and an important step to take.”

He added that the new policy will better protect freedom of expression while still ensuring that the most harmful content is removed.