Social media platforms have come under intense scrutiny lately, with many users questioning the fairness of content moderation practices. From Instagram's hidden features to Meta's alleged biases based on language, these platforms are facing growing criticism.
It was recently revealed by Cache Merrill, a tech expert from Zibtek, how users can access a hidden menu on Instagram to see just how much data the platform collects about them. Through this menu, users can view the ads they've interacted with and even manage their interests based on their previously saved ad topics.
Cache pointed out the data collection methods employed by Instagram, noting how users unconsciously provide information through their account details and online activities. This includes background data collection such as IP addresses and location, which feeds directly to Instagram’s extensive user profiling.
With the rise of concerns about privacy, many are starting to feel wary of how much control these platforms have over personal data. The use of tracking cookies across various websites amplifies the concern, as they allow platforms to monitor users' online behaviors.
On another front, Meta’s content moderation practices have come under fire, especially during the recent conflicts surrounding Palestine and Israel. Documents obtained by the Guardian indicated significant disparities in how Facebook’s moderation handles content related to Hebrew and Arabic languages.
Former Meta employees have claimed the company lacks standardized guidelines for moderations across languages. Observations showed Arabic content being penalized more frequently than Hebrew content, highlighting issues of potential bias.
For example, statements encouraging the boycott of Muslim shops faced immediate removal, whereas similar posts targeting Arab businesses were not treated the same way. This inconsistency raises eyebrows about how platforms enforce their community standards.
Activists have accused Meta of having biased enforcement policies, particularly during instances of conflict. A report from 2022 showed Arabic speakers were unfairly flagged more often than their Hebrew counterparts, hinting at the need for better oversight.
The algorithms developed to monitor content, like the Arabic hostile speech classifier, have been criticized for their lack of balance. Critics argue they result in unjust penalties for Arabic posts without matching measures for Hebrew content.
This raises significant concerns, especially as rising tensions continue to fuel narratives online. A former employee revealed the fears some within Meta felt about speaking out on biased moderation practices for fear of retaliation.
Further complicatively, this scrutiny has expanded as the death toll from recent conflicts has surged, reinforcing calls for accountability. Cat Knarr of the US Campaign for Palestinian Rights articulated the severe consequences, noting, "When Palestinian voices are silenced on Meta platforms, it has a very direct consequence on Palestinian lives."
Recent figures show over 1,050 pieces of Palestinian-related content were either suspended or removed from Facebook and Instagram as reported by Human Rights Watch. This number underscores the level of censorship faced by those advocating for Palestinian rights on social media.
Meanwhile, another story brewing within social media features controversial figures. Imane Khelif, the Algerian Olympic gold medalist who faced cyber harassment during the Paris 2024 Olympics, is now stepping up to fight back legally against individuals to include Elon Musk.
After receiving undue backlash and accusations about her gender, Khelif is being represented by Lina Hadid, cousin of models Gigi and Bella Hadid. Together, they are pushing back against what they describe as aggravated cyber harassment.
Legal actions have ramped up as Khelif's team targets those who contributed to the negative dialogue surrounding her victory. This included high-profile mentions on social media from personalities like J.K. Rowling and Musk, both questioning her inclusion within women's sports.
Despite the backlash, Khelif’s legal team aims to hold influential figures accountable for their words and the resulting online behavior of their followers. Nabil Boudi, leading Khelif's legal representation, indicated efforts to seek legal assistance across borders to provide support against hate speech and harassment.
This case highlights the trends of public figures using their platforms to spread misinformation and the adverse reactions it creates. Responses to Khelif's success have spurred conversations about the ethics of social media involvement from such influential individuals.
Through these interconnected issues, from Instagram user privacy to Meta's bias and Khelif’s legal battles, the online world is grappling with how to conduct fair and just discourse. The debates around these topics will likely continue as both the public and regulators investigate the power dynamics at play on social media platforms.
Overall, the scrutiny of social media platforms is not just about content moderation; it extends to user privacy and the responsibilities of those who wield influence online. This environment is ripe for change, but how platforms respond will shape the discourse moving forward.
