Instagram to restrict political content
With an upcoming change, Instagram will stop recommending political content. This feature, which will be left to user preference, can be adjusted in Instagram settings to continue receiving such content.
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META, one of the world's largest technology companies, has placed importance on keeping Instagram an apolitical platform, even though it has been involved in scandals that made global headlines in the past, such as Cambridge Analytica. However, elections, wars, and social movements that erupt inevitably turn Facebook and Instagram into places where politics are discussed.
APOLITICAL USERS WILL BE ABLE TO CHOOSE
Instagram head Adam Mosseri shared in a statement that Meta will adjust its algorithm, at least for users who want to remain apolitical. According to Mosseri, Instagram and its sister app Threads will no longer recommend political content in areas such as the Explore tab or Reels, where users discover new content.
First of all, let us note that this change will not completely purge Instagram and Threads of political content. If you follow accounts that post political content, you will continue to see posts from these accounts. Additionally, those who wish to continue seeing political content recommendations will be able to receive them by activating the relevant option in the Settings menu.
WHAT CONTENT CONTAINS 'POLITICS'?
So, what does "political content" mean according to Instagram? Although Mosseri says that government, elections, laws, and social issues will primarily be treated as political content, he states that they know the term "political content" has a complex and dynamic definition, and therefore they will update this definition based on user feedback. The changes in question will go into effect within a few weeks.