Tell Instagram to Stop Limiting "Political Content" by Default
Head of Instagram Adam Mosseri
In March, Meta expanded its existing approach to limit suggested political content on Facebook to Instagram and Threads, specifically no longer recommending political content on the Explore, Reels, In-Feed Recommendations, and Suggested Users on Instagram.
This action undermines the reach of authoritative and factual news and political content on Instagram that helps people understand current events, civic engagement, and electoral participation. Instagram is thereby limiting the ability of creators to reach people online to help foster more inclusive and participatory democracy and society during a critical inflection point for our country.
Sponsored by
To:
Head of Instagram Adam Mosseri
From:
[Your Name]
We write to you today concerned, disappointed, and frustrated by Meta’s decision to limit the reach of “political content” on Instagram, Threads, and Facebook with little to no notification – or proactive opt-in – for users.
We urge Meta to give users the autonomy to adjust their algorithm by making the setting to limit political content an option, rather than the default. By doing so, Meta can foster an environment that values diversity of opinion, encourages civic engagement, and upholds the principles of free expression and open democratic discourse.
Such free expression and open democratic discourse, however, does not exempt Meta from the company’s responsibility to prevent harmful content on social media that promotes disinformation, discrimination, hate, or violence.