What's happened
Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, is scaling back news and political content on its platforms. Facebook News tab will be discontinued for Australian and US users, while Instagram is limiting political content in recommendations and feeds.
Why it matters
Meta's decision to reduce news and political content on Facebook and Instagram reflects a broader effort to address concerns about misinformation and political polarization on social media platforms. By limiting the reach of such content, Meta aims to create a more positive user experience and mitigate the impact of divisive information.
What the papers say
The Guardian reports that Instagram users will now see less political content in their recommendations, with Meta emphasizing a focus on user experience. The Independent highlights Instagram's automatic clampdown on political content, sparking backlash from users concerned about limitations on political discourse. Ars Technica notes Instagram users' complaints about Meta's default limit on political content, with some users expressing surprise at the change. Business Insider UK discusses Meta's introduction of trending topics on Threads, providing users with curated content based on engagement levels and relevance.
How we got here
Meta's decision to scale back news and political content on Facebook and Instagram follows years of criticism regarding the platforms' handling of misinformation and political content. The move is part of Meta's broader efforts to improve user experience and address concerns about the impact of divisive information on its platforms.
Common question
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