- Many Instagram users received unwanted violent or graphic content on their reels page. Some of the users realized that others had a similar experience when they communicated on other social media.
- Meta apologized for the mistake.
- The company says it has 15,000 reviewers and advanced technology to help detect, prioritize and remove disturbing content.
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Instagram users recently received more than they signed up for when logging into the app. Meta, which operates Instagram, admitted that an error subjected users to violent and graphic content on their reels page.
How has Meta responded to the complaints?
Meta said it has fixed an error that caused some users to see explicit, unwanted content on their Instagram reels feed. The social media company apologized for the mistake.
Instagram users shared the news with each other on social media platforms about an uptick in violent content and recommendations dubbed “not safe for work.”
The explicit reels showed up, even though some users had the sensitive content control features set to the highest level.
What is Meta’s policy about graphic content?
According to Meta’s own policy, it works to protect users from disturbing images and removes especially graphic content. This content includes videos that show dismemberment, innards and charred bodies, as well as sadistic remarks centered around images that depict human or animal suffering.
What did Instagram users specifically see?
CNBC reported images that Instagram users unexpectedly received included dead people, graphic injuries and violent attacks.
Meta said it has a team of more than 15,000 reviewers and advanced technology to help detect, prioritize and remove disturbing content before it offends users.
The latest error comes less than two months after the company announced plans to improve its policies to promote free expression.
