(RTTNews) – Meta Platforms, Inc. (META) issued an apology on Wednesday following a technical error in Instagram’s recommendation algorithm. This glitch led users to encounter an overwhelming amount of violent and graphic videos in their Reels feed.

The problem impacted a large audience, including minors, exposing them to distressing footage that included shootings, accidents, and severe injuries.

A reporter from the Wall Street Journal noted that their Instagram feed was inundated with graphic clips. These clips featured alarming scenes such as people being shot, crushed by machinery, and ejected from amusement park rides.

The troubling videos came from accounts with names like “PeopleDyingHub” and “ShockingTragedies,” which the journalist did not follow. Data showed that Instagram’s algorithm significantly boosted the visibility of these posts; many videos garnered millions of views, far surpassing typical engagement for such accounts.

This incident occurs as Meta re-evaluates its content moderation policies to address concerns of over-censorship. Earlier this year, the company stated it would restrict automated moderation primarily to serious violations—like terrorism and child exploitation—while depending more on user reports for less severe content.

Critics contend that these adjustments, along with substantial layoffs in Meta’s trust and safety teams, may jeopardize the platform’s capability to shield users from harmful content.

As Meta fine-tunes its moderation strategies, debates continue regarding the company’s ability to safeguard users while upholding the principle of free expression.

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