Meta announces the removal of tagged uses of the red triangle emoji, considered a symbol of support for Hamas.
The triangle is also used by online accounts that support Palestine.
Meta has classified the inverted red triangle and its emoji as a symbol associated with support for Hamas, and has implemented measures for its removal on platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. This new policy was revealed through internal guidelines that were recently discovered. This emoji has been widely used by internet users in posts, usernames, and graphics, and has been integrated into the propaganda of both Hamas and related militant groups, as well as the Israeli government. Due to its connection with Hamas, which is on the company’s list of dangerous organizations and individuals, the symbol has become controversial.
The guidelines state that any post that includes what has been termed "the offensive triangle" and that Meta deems to promote conflict or glorify Hamas will be removed. However, the policy provides for the possibility of more widespread removals, such as in the case of a triangle that might appear in a user's profile picture, raising concerns among digital rights advocates about the potential negative impact on freedom of expression. Reports suggest that accounts could face additional disciplinary actions depending on the severity of the use of the symbol.
The inverted triangle is a debated symbol in the context of Palestinian resistance and solidarity and is directly derived from the Palestinian flag, representing those who gave their lives during the Arab Revolt against Ottoman rule. On the other hand, it is a color that symbolizes regional unity: red, green, black, and white are the colors of pan-Arab unity. On one hand, it is frequently used by militant groups, such as Hamas, as a representation of armed rebellion, while Palestinian supporters use it online to express their support for the besieged population. However, others view this symbol as an emblem of hate, considering it an appropriation of the color-coded triangles used to designate prisoners in concentration and extermination camps, which, in their view, glorifies violence and death.
In an effort to evade moderation policies (or "shadowbanning") on social media platforms, users have begun to use a variety of emojis, including vague shapes and symbols in red, black, and green, to signal their support for Palestinian independence.