Over the past several years, digital researchers and advocates have sounded the alarm about the potential of “deepfake” videos to spread misinformation on Facebook. These clips are typically edited to make it seem like a notable person is saying something they’re not, and are frequently used by scammers to create fake celebrity endorsements. However, videos that are altered and not entirely faked are much harder to detect, and Facebook’s policies about how to handle them are less clear. That’s why the company’s semi-independent Oversight Board has agreed to take on a high-profile case involving an altered video of Joe Biden.

Of course, this isn’t the first time a deceptively edited video has caused problems for Facebook. The company has previously been criticized for declining to remove altered videos of politicians. According to the Board, it’s taking on this issue now in the run-up to the 2024 US presidential election in an effort to stop the spread of misinformation.

“This case will examine issues related to manipulated media on Meta’s platforms and the company’s policies on misinformation, especially around elections,” the Oversight Board wrote. “Once the case is announced, the case will open for public comments. This vital component of our work allows external stakeholders to inform the Board’s deliberation and review.”

Unfortunately, Facebook doesn’t always follow the recommendations of its Board, so it’s possible this problem doesn’t get any better. But at least the social media giant will be forced to publicly answer for what it’s doing about this dangerous content.

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