Social media platforms have long been hailed as spaces for connection, entertainment, and sharing joy. They serve as windows into the lives of others, allowing us to peer into the world and, at times, marvel at the experiences they offer. However, over the past few days, this narrative has taken a sad turn, as a wave of distressing news continues to flood in from Palestine.
In the digital age, social media plays a pivotal role in disseminating information. Meta, who knows this all too well, seems to be limiting any mentions of Palestine on its platforms. As a significant global event unfolds before our eyes, content creators and social media users have awakened to a disheartening reality—severe reductions in the reach of their content. What’s more troubling is the scarcity of attention this issue has received, with major tech news outlets remaining conspicuously silent on the shadowban affecting Palestine-related content.
This shadowban, which has gone largely unnoticed, involves Meta labeling content related to Palestine as “sensitive.” This tagging severely limits the number of people who can access and view such content. The labeling process is driven by picking up on keywords within the content and an analysis of the images accompanying the posts or Stories..
Overcoming the Shadowban:
In response to this situation, users have been experimenting with various methods to bypass the shadowban. Here are some strategies that have proven effective for those affected:
- Adjust Sensitive Content Settings: Users can modify their account settings to allow sensitive content. By going to Settings > Suggested Content > Sensitive Content, you can change it to “More,” enabling you to view Palestine-related content.
- Diversify Your Content: To break the cycle of censorship, it is advisable not to solely post about Palestine. Intermingle your posts with unrelated content to regain visibility in the Stories feed.
- Create Original Content: Instead of merely sharing content from others, try to recreate and remix it to make it appear fresh. Original content is less likely to be flagged as sensitive.
- Explore Alternative Platforms: Instead of relying solely on Meta-owned platforms like Instagram and Facebook, consider using platforms like X (Twitter) and Telegram, which have not imposed similar restrictions. These platforms are used by journalists for a reason.
- Engage Actively: Engaging with other content within the same topic can elevate your content’s visibility within the algorithm. Think of it as a way to “force” it to reach a broader audience.
- Direct Sharing: Don’t limit yourself to Meta-owned channels or mainstream social media. Share your story through various networks and channels to ensure it’s heard widely.
Remember Your Humanity:
What is currently transpiring in Gaza is an affront to humanity. In times like these, it is imperative that we remember our shared humanity. Human lives are at stake, and as the world watches in pain, censorship is inexcusable. We must not allow the silencing of this critical issue.
The apparent shadowban on Palestine-related content on social media platforms raises significant concerns about censorship on a global scale. As users strive to overcome these limitations, the world must pay heed to the broader implications of such actions and champion the values of free expression and empathy in our interconnected digital age.
How Can You Help?
How can you make a difference? There are several humanitarian organizations that you can lend your support to.
- UNRWA – https://donate.unrwa.org/gaza/~my-donation
- PCRF – https://www.pcrf.net/
- Emirates Red Crescent – https://www.emiratesrc.ae/donations/29
- UNICEF – https://www.unicef.org/emergencies/children-gaza-desperate-need-lifesaving-support
Updates
Google:
- Google Ads Data Manager is initially launching in Google Ads to make it easier to use enhanced conversions and customer match – Search Engine Land – Google Blog
- Preparing for the end of third-party cookies – Chrome for Developers
LinkedIn:
- Message Ads are back after advertisers asked for the feature to return to Linkedin – LinkedIn Business
- LinkedIn introduces genAI campaign creation tool to boost B2B digital advertising growth – Insider Intelligence
Meta:
- Meta unveils brand suitability controls for Reels – Marketing Brew
Inventory Filter: Advertisers gain control over the type of content adjacent to their ads, aligning with the GARM Brand Suitability Framework.
Third-Party Brand Suitability Verification: Partnering with Meta Business Partner Zefr, this solution offers independent measurement, transparency, and reporting on content adjacent to ads.
- Meta Is Paying Creators Millions for AI Chatbots – The Information
- Meta Plans to Charge $14 a Month for Ad-Free Instagram or Facebook – WSJ
Instagram:
- Instagram head says Threads is ‘not going to amplify news on the platform’ – TechCrunch
- Reels Ads updates: new performance features, automated creative and suitability solutions – Meta for Business
- Collection Ads: Collection ads are introduced on Instagram and are under testing on Facebook. These ads feature a large video or image alongside smaller accompanying images, making it easier for users to explore products of interest.
- Multi-Destination Reels Carousel Ads: Businesses can now direct users to multiple product pages, enhancing the shopping experience and potentially increasing sales. This feature is available on Facebook and Instagram Reels across iOS and Android.
- Swipe Left Functionality: The “Swipe left” feature on Facebook and Instagram Reels ads facilitates quick and easy access to product information, promoting active engagement.
- Advantage+ Creative: Reels ads optimized for creative elements show better campaign performance. Features within Advantage+ creative include automatic template conversions, 3D motion, aspect ratio adjustments, and image/video enhancements, all aimed at improving ad effectiveness.
- Music Optimization: Advertisers on Facebook and Instagram can now add music to their single image Reels ads during the campaign creation process, making ads more engaging and entertaining.
- Threads is getting an edit button — and you don’t have to pay for it – The Verge
- Instagram Announces New Interactive Features at ‘Instagram University’ Event – Social Media Today
- Birthday Celebrations: Instagram is focusing on enhancing birthday celebrations, offering users birthday profile effects and the ability to control who is notified about their birthdays.
- Notes Inbox Group Chat: Instagram is adding more tools to its Notes feature, including audio clips and selfie videos, to boost engagement.
- Close-Friend Groups: The platform is introducing close-friend groups for more private Stories sharing, allowing users to share with specific groups rather than publicly.
- Music Features: While specifics weren’t provided, Instagram is working on music features to enhance creative expression within the app.
- Crews and Trivia: The platform is testing features like ‘Crews’ for private Story sharing and a trivia game within IG live-streams.
TikTok:
- Effortlessly share to TikTok with Direct Post: Seamless integrations with Adobe and a range of partners – TikTok Newsroom
- TikTok now supports direct posting from AI-powered Adobe apps, CapCut, Twitch and more – TechCrunch
X (Twitter):
- X (Twitter) partners with Google Ad Manager – Search Engine Land
- X (Twitter) Launches Expanded Profile Bios for Web Users – Social Media Today
- X (Twitter) Experiments With New Game Streaming Process To Expand Its Content Options – Social Media Today
- X (Twitter) signs live shopping deal with Paris Hilton in bid to revive its fortunes – Financial Times
- X (Twitter) Looks To Add ‘Verified Only’ Reply Option on Posts To Push Paid Subscriptions – Social Media Today