Blocking fake and real news, Facebook’s advertising procedures repress history. Here's how

In an era of abundant information, digital connectivity and fake news, the curating of content has become necessary in order to help audiences decipher fact from fiction. Fictitious content shared on social media, much of it designed to mimic actual news reports and rewrite history, has forced social media conglomerates to install automatic mechanisms for moderating their content.

Unfortunately, many of these systems, including Facebook’s advertising protocols, miss their mark by blocking documentaries alongside fictitious content. By using algorithms that cannot avoid intertwining accurate historical portrayals alongside false dramatizations, Facebook’s advertising policies are doing as much harm as good.

In recent months, Facebook’s algorithms have blocked advertisements of IZZY, a platform streaming Israeli television and movies, documentaries including "Under the Iron Dome," "The Seam Line" and "Golda," categorizing them as controversial because of social issues, elections or politics. "Under the Iron Dome" provides an in-depth look at the development of the lifesaving defense system against rocket threats, a system that has been in operation for more than a decade.

"The Seam Line" focuses on understanding the cultural and religious fabric of Jerusalem, which led to clashes in the 1980s and 1990s, and how through understanding the needs of its citizens, Jewish and Arab alike, the city’s former Arab Affairs adviser, Avi Melamed, was able to build bridges and cool tensions. "Golda" focuses on Golda Meir, one of the world's most influential female leaders, and Israel’s first and only female prime minister. All are historic and none of them is related to any current political controversies.

Documentaries, intended to foster understanding and inspire informed discourse, are being mistaken as controversial political content. They are not about promoting any political agenda. These films are about bridging gaps, celebrating diversity and instigating thought-provoking conversations.

One of the critical issues with Facebook's advertising policies is the algorithm’s lack of contextual understanding. It is designed to enforce policies and often fails to recognize the nuances and educational value of historical documentaries. Instead, it focuses on superficial aspects, such as the presence of violence or sensitive imagery, without considering the broader narrative or educational intent.

This lack of contextual understanding leads to disproportionate penalties for historical documentaries, impeding their visibility and limiting their impact. By favoring generic and non-controversial content, Facebook inadvertently stifles the exploration and understanding of historical events, hindering our ability to learn from the past and apply those lessons to the present.

History is complicated, and so is the present. Documentary filmmakers take it upon themselves to investigate specific episodes throughout history, the good, the bad, and the ugly in order to provide education and historical context through their work.

Regardless of one's personal politics, within the last 200 years there has been something in history that is tough to stomach. Documentaries have forced these toughest parts of history back to the forefront with episodes in history like slavery, racism, the Holocaust and other genocides, discrimination, political controversies and more. Just because it is inconvenient and possibly uncomfortable to watch, and just because it reveals a truth some do not like or want, does not mean Facebook should block it from being shared.

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To address these concerns, Facebook needs to reevaluate and refine its advertising policies concerning historical documentaries, by working closely with filmmakers and content creators. In partnering with the industry, it can develop guidelines that acknowledge the educational value of such content while still adhering to its commitments to avoid fake news and its community standards.

The algorithm should differentiate between content that aims to provide historical context and that which aims to glorify violence or promote hate speech. This distinction would enable filmmakers to navigate the policies effectively, ensuring that their educational content reaches the intended audience.

Facebook should invest in contextual understanding within its algorithms. By incorporating machine learning techniques that recognize the educational value and intent of historical documentaries, the platform can ensure fair treatment and visibility for this genre of content.

Finally, Facebook should create alternative avenues to promote historical documentaries, such as dedicated categories or partnerships with reputable organizations specializing in history and education. This would allow content creators to reach interested audiences effectively and amplify the impact of their documentaries.

While noble in its goal of fostering and promoting content that will not offend anyone, Facebook's advertising policies and algorithm unintentionally hinder the dissemination of historical documentaries, limiting their reach and impact. By acknowledging the educational value of such content and refining its guidelines, Facebook can create a more inclusive platform that encourages thought-provoking and honest dialogue.

Nati Dinnar is the co-Founder & CEO of IZZY — streamisrael.tv, a streaming platform focused on bringing Israeli television and movies to international audiences. A seasoned TV executive with 25 years of experience in the Israeli TV industry, Dinnar is also a filmmaker and the creator/producer of acclaimed films such as "Sabena Hijacking," "Rescue Bus 300," and "Under the Iron Dome."

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Facebook’s advertising procedures repress history. Here's how