Instagram blocks LGBTQ hashtags, marks as ‘sexually suggestive content’

Meta decided to end third-party fact-checking in the United States, replacing it with a community notes system where users flag content as false or misleading. The change led to an error in Instagram’s sensitive content filter that has restricted LGBTQ terms and hashtags, multiple reports said.

The block, intentional or not, has raised concerns about online safety.

Mark Zuckerberg stated that the change aims to restore free expression and reduce perceived censorship caused by automated moderation systems. Meta confirmed to CNET that the block was an error and the LGBTQ terms and hashtags were “mistakenly restricted.” The company said it has since been fixed.

Experts criticized Meta’s decision to enable a community notes system, warning it could lead to more misleading content spreading easily, and described it as a backward step for global content moderation.

Despite concerns from advertisers about brand safety, industry insiders do not expect a significant backlash against Meta’s changes to its content moderation policies.