Suzanne Nossel

Suzanne Nossel is a prominent figure in the fields of human rights and free expression, currently serving as the Chief Executive Officer of PEN America, an organization dedicated to advocating for free speech. She was appointed to the Oversight Board in April 2021, which is tasked with reviewing content moderation decisions on platforms like Facebook and Instagram based on international human rights standards.124

Education and Early Career

Nossel graduated magna cum laude from both Harvard College and Harvard Law School. Her career spans significant roles in both government and nonprofit sectors. Notably, she has been the Chief Operating Officer at Human Rights Watch and the Executive Director of Amnesty International USA. During the Obama Administration, she held the position of Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for International Organizations, focusing on U.S. engagement with the United Nations.12

Contributions and Publications

Nossel is also known for coining the term "Smart Power," which became a central theme during Hillary Clinton's tenure as Secretary of State. She is a prolific writer, contributing to major publications such as The New York Times, Foreign Policy, and The Washington Post, and has authored the book Dare to Speak: Defending Free Speech for All.12

Role in the Oversight Board

As a member of the Oversight Board, Nossel brings her extensive experience in human rights advocacy to help shape policies regarding content moderation. The board is composed of diverse members from various backgrounds, ensuring a broad perspective on issues affecting social media platforms.34