One of the most frustrating aspects of reporting content is understanding and acknowledging the difference between content that is offensive (sometimes grossly offensive), but protected and content that is actually illegal or a violation of a social media platform’s terms of service. This line can be especially blurry if the content in question is about you or about someone who you care about.

People have a legal right to believe the most ridiculous things. They have the right to share those beliefs with others, in person and online. Even if you and I might find those beliefs to be foolish or even offensive. What they don’t have the right to do is to defame a living person.