Meta, the parent company of Instagram and Threads, has announced a significant shift in its approach to political content recommendation.
This photo illustration created in Washington, DC, on July 5, 2023, shows Threads, an Instagram app, on the App Store, in front of the logos of Instagram and Threads.
Redefining Approach to Political Content Recommendation
Going forward, Instagram and Threads will no longer actively suggest political posts to users, as confirmed by Instagram chief Adam Mosseri. Instead, users will have the option to opt-in to view such content through the apps' settings.
While users will still encounter political content from accounts they follow, Engadget reported that Meta will refrain from proactively amplifying such posts across its platforms.
This adjustment, slated to roll out gradually over the coming weeks, will affect public accounts in areas where Meta's recommendation algorithms play a role in content suggestions.
Platforms like Instagram's Reels, Explore, and suggested users on Threads will be impacted by this change. Although Mosseri did not provide detailed criteria for what constitutes "political" content, Meta clarified that it would encompass election-related topics and social issues.
The spokesperson clarified that political content encompasses discussions, posts, or topics concerning matters directly related to government functions, electoral processes, or broader social issues.
These encompass a wide array of subjects, ranging from legislative matters to societal debates on critical issues. They stressed the intricate and evolving nature of these global topics, acknowledging that the definition of political content may require adjustments over time.
Remaining to be Responsive, Evolving
Meta aims to refine its approach through ongoing engagement with platform users, communities, and external experts. This effort ensures that Meta's policies regarding political content remain responsive to the diverse perspectives and evolving dynamics within its user base and the community.
The Verge reported that the company will now restrict its default suggestions concerning these subjects, but individuals who wish to view such content can opt-in through the settings on Instagram and Threads.
The company clarified that this update will not alter how users encounter posts from accounts they have chosen to follow. Mosseri emphasized the company's objective to uphold users' freedom to engage with political content while acknowledging individual preferences.
This represents Meta's efforts to discourage Threads users from engaging in discussions on topics deemed potentially contentious. Notably, the company filters out "potentially sensitive" subjects, such as terms related to vaccines and COVID-19, from search results on Threads.
Mosseri has reiterated Meta's stance of not actively encouraging users to post about "politics and hard news" within the app. Nevertheless, this adjustment could spark renewed discontent among users and creators who already harbor grievances against Meta for what they perceive as biased content moderation practices.
Critics may argue that Meta's decision to limit certain content recommendations could stifle free expression and creativity on the platform, as per Axios.
To address concerns and provide transparency, Meta has introduced the option for users with "professional" accounts on Instagram to assess the status of their posts in relation to recommendation eligibility.
This feature enables content creators to understand whether their content aligns with Meta's guidelines for broader visibility and engagement. By offering this tool, Meta aims to empower users to navigate the platform more effectively and make informed decisions about their content strategies.
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