Meta Platforms, the parent company of Instagram and Threads, has announced that the apps will no longer actively recommend political content to users unless they opt in. According to Maciej Zaremba’s company announcement, places on Instagram and Threads such as the Explore tab, Reels, feed recommendations, and suggested users will cease to recommend political content unless users have those settings enabled.
Existing accounts that users already follow will not be affected by this change. The company added that the implementation of the new policy will happen gradually over time, without specifying a specific timeline.
In a post on Threads, Adam Mosseri, the head of Instagram, stated that the aim of the policy changes is to “preserve choice for users who want access to political content, while respecting their individual preferences.” He emphasized that while politics and challenging news are important, from the platform’s perspective, it is not worth focusing on the behind-the-scenes actions that come with negative reactions and integrity risks.
Professional accounts that publish political content will have the option to verify their settings to ensure that their posts meet recommendation criteria. If they wish, they can edit or remove such content and request a review if they disagree with the recommendation decision.
The company did not disclose how long content should not be published in order to regain recommendations.
The new rules regarding political content on Instagram and Threads are consistent with those already applied to Facebook by Meta.
Threads was introduced by Meta as a competitor to Elon Musk’s tool in 2023, where heated political discussions often arise. The tech giant has made extensive changes to its algorithms to promote viral entertainment videos instead of polarizing political content, following accusations of spreading misinformation during the 2016 and 2020 elections.
Questions and answers:
1. Which apps are subject to limitations on political content?
– Instagram and Threads apps, owned by Meta Platforms.
2. Which places on Instagram and Threads will cease recommending political content?
– The Explore tab, Reels, feed recommendations, and suggested users.
3. Will users still be able to receive recommendations for political content?
– Yes, if users have those settings enabled in the apps.
4. Will currently followed accounts be affected by the limitations?
– No, currently followed accounts will not be affected by these changes.
5. What are Meta’s goals in implementing these changes?
– The goal is to preserve choice for users who want access to political content while respecting their individual preferences.
6. Can professional accounts publishing political content check and edit their settings?
– Yes, professional accounts will have the option to verify their settings and edit or remove political content if they choose to do so.
7. How long should content not be published in order to regain recommendations?
– The company did not provide specific information on this matter.
8. Do the same rules apply to Facebook?
– Yes, the new rules regarding political content are consistent with those already in place on Facebook.
Definitions:
– Meta Platforms: The company that owns social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Threads.
– Instagram app: A popular app for sharing photos and videos.
– Threads app: An app created by Meta Platforms as a competitor to other social networking tools.
Related links:
– meta.com: Official website of Meta Platforms.
The source of the article is from the blog maltemoney.com.br