Meta has reportedly been restricting user access to LGBTQ+ content after classifying it as "sensitive content" or "sexually suggestive content".
Posts with various LGBTQ+ related hashtags, such as #gay, #lesbian, #queer and others were concealed from users whose accounts have filters turned on to conceal sensitive content. Teenage users have these filters turned on by default when they create their profiles.
In attempting to access this content or look up these tags, teen users were met with blank pages and a note from Meta explaining that the app conceals "sexually explicit" content, suggesting that they review the app's "sensitive content" restrictions, reported User Mag.
"Meta categorizing LGBTQ hashtags as 'sensitive content' is an alarming example of censorship that should concern everyone," said Leanna Garfield, social media safety program manager at GLAAD, and LGBTQ+ advocacy organization.
Upon being questioned and asked for a comment regarding the content filters, Meta told User Mag that the restrictions placed upon LGBTQ+ search terms were placed erroneously and would be removed.
"These search terms and hashtags were mistakenly restricted," a Meta spokesperson said. "It's important to us that all communities feel safe and welcome on Meta apps, and we do not consider LGBTQ+ terms to be sensitive under our policies."
In September of last year, Meta introduced additional restrictions for young social media users as parental pressure to make social media apps safer for children increased. They created "Instagram Teen Accounts", which is what were available to users below the age of 18 instead of regular accounts. The restrictions on these accounts allowed Meta to prevent underaged users from accessing sensitive information, but evidently also prevented them from accessing LGBTQ+-related content while heterosexual content and posts featuring straight couples were easily found on the app.
"A responsible and inclusive company would not build an algorithm that classifies some LGBTQ hashtags as 'sensitive content,' hiding helpful and age-appropriate content from young people by default," a spokesperson for GLAAD said. "Regardless of if this was an unintended error, Meta should... test significant product updates before launch."
"For many LGBTQ people, especially youth, platforms like Instagram are crucial for self-discovery, community building, and accessing supportive information," Garfield said. "By limiting access to LGBTQ content, Instagram may be inadvertently contributing to the isolation and marginalization of LGBTQ users."
"Meta should not only stop suppressing LGBTQ content in this way, it should also clarify how and why [this error occurred]," she continued.
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