Instagram and Threads will no longer recommend political content

Meta goes recommend political content to Instagram or Threads users, according to Instagram boss Adam Mosseri. He said users will still see political content from accounts they follow, but apps will no longer proactively amplify such posts.

THE changewhich will roll out “over the coming weeks,” will apply to public accounts in places where Meta’s recommendation algorithms suggest content or posts, like Instagram’s Reels and Explore, and to suggested users on Threads. Mosseri did not explain how Meta will determine what is considered “political,” but a Meta spokesperson said it would include topics related to elections and social issues.

“Our definition of political content is content that may relate to topics related to government or elections; for example, publications on laws, elections or social topics,” the spokesperson said. “These global issues are complex and dynamic, which means this definition will evolve as we continue to collaborate with the people and communities who use our platforms and with external experts to refine our approach. »

Although Meta limits its suggestions related to these topics by default, those who wish to see such content will be able to opt-in through Instagram and Threads settings. The company said the update won’t affect how people see posts from accounts they choose to follow. “Our goal is to preserve the ability for people to choose to interact with political content, while respecting each person’s appetite for that content,” Mosseri said.

The change is the latest way Meta has attempted to discourage Threads users from discussing topics it considers potentially problematic. The company blocks “potentially sensitive” topics, including terms related to vaccines and covid, from search results in Threads. Mosseri has that Meta does not want to “encourage” users to post about “politics and news” in the app.

But the change could also cause further backlash among users and creators, some of whom already believe Meta is unfairly removing certain types of content. Meta said that people with “business” accounts on Instagram can use this feature to check whether their posts are currently considered eligible for recommendations.