Meta's apology to Anwar gets Arab media's attention

News of Meta apologising for the removal of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s posts on his Facebook and Instagram accounts received widespread media coverage in the Arab world and Arabic-speaking countries.

The Malaysian government had demanded an explanation from Meta after Anwar’s messages of condolence for the assassinated Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh were taken down from the platforms.

The report was published, among others, on online news platforms like masrawy.com and aawsat.com based in Egypt, alroya.com (Oman), sarayanews.com (Jordan), alalam.ir (Iran), alquds.co.uk and alghad.ty (UK), aljazeera.net, alaraby.com (Qatar), and alwatannews.com (Bahrain).

“We apologise for the operational error in which the posts from the prime minister’s Facebook and Instagram accounts were taken down. The posts have been restored with the correct news label,” a Meta spokesperson told Reuters in response to questions via email.

On Monday, the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) summoned Meta to explain the removal of the posts.

The PMO, in its statement, had expressed its displeasure at Meta’s actions and considers it a infringement upon the prime minister’s freedom of speech.

“The PMO sees Meta’s action as a form of discrimination, unfairness, and restricting freedom of expression.

“It is also an insult to the legitimate struggle of the Palestinian people to seek justice and human rights,” according to the PMO statement.

- Bernama

Fahmi: Meta reps couldn't give good answers, but PM accepts apology

Meta restores PM's posts with note they violate guidelines

Meta apologises for 'operational error' in removing PM's posts

COMMENT | Why licensing won't control internet abuses

PMO gives Meta tongue lashing over removal of PM's posts, wants apology

PMO summons Meta rep to explain pro-Palestine content removal