Meta platforms restricting Ukrainian social media posts and instigating the spread of disinformation
3.7.2022
Question for written answer E-002411/2022
to the Commission
Rule 138
Tomáš Zdechovský (PPE)
In recent weeks, Ukrainian social media users have complained that the Instagram application has been restricting Ukraine-related content from their followers abroad. Since April, hashtags including #BuchaMassacre, #Azov, #RussiaIsATerroristState and #StandWithUkraine have been blocked from the Instagram search bar for ‘not meeting the Community guidelines’.
According to a recent study, the algorithms of Facebook and other social media platforms are capable of sharing disinformation six times faster than verified information.[1] Meta has been acting similarly regarding various conflicts and genocides, including the genocide of Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar. While Meta promised to take action against Russian propaganda in February 2022, this has not been the case.[2] Victims of war are being silenced, blocked, or shadowbanned.
Disinformation significantly shapes public opinion and its spread, as a result, costs lives.
In this context:
- 1.Is the Commission aware of the threat that the Meta algorithm poses to the integrity of information available to European consumers?
- 2.Does it plan to sanction the restricting of authentic reports from Ukraine by Meta?