How is Instagram addressing false information?
At Instagram, we're committed to reducing the spread of false information.
We use both technology and feedback from our community to identify posts and accounts that may contain false information. We also work with third-party fact-checkers across the globe who review content in over 60 languages and are certified through the non-partisan International Fact-Checking Network to help identify, review and label false information.
Learn more about the global list of third-party fact checking organizations and their contact info, in the Facebook Help Center.
Reducing the distribution of false information
- Making false information harder to find: When third-party fact checkers identify false information, altered content or content with missing context on Instagram, we may make it harder to find by filtering it from Explore and hashtag pages. We may also reduce its visibility in Feed and Stories.
- Using technology to find the same false information: When a post is rated false, partly false, missing context, or satire by third-party fact-checkers on Instagram or Facebook, we use image matching technology to find further instances of this content. We automatically label identical content if it is posted elsewhere on Instagram or Facebook.
- Labeling posts with false information warnings: Posts that have been identified as false information by third-party fact-checkers are labeled so people can better decide for themselves what to read, trust and share. When a false information label is applied, it appears to everyone around the world viewing that content and can be seen in Feed, Profile, Stories and Direct. The label will link out to the rating from the fact-checker and provide links to articles from credible sources that debunk the claim(s) made in the post.
- Removing content and accounts that go against Community Guidelines: When we find that a post or account goes against our Community Guidelines, we remove it. We use the same guidelines each time we review whether something goes against our Community Guidelines. These standards apply to all types of content.
Giving you more tools to identify and give feedback on false information
- Learn how to spot false information. Knowing what to look out for can help you make more informed decisions about what to read, trust and share.
- Provide feedback on posts you think contain false information. Let us know if you think a post is false. This is one of the signs we use when trying to identify false information.
Keep in mind that the original content of politicians is not sent to third-party fact checkers for review. Learn more about how Facebook and Instagram fact-check political speech.
Restricting accounts that repeatedly post false information
Accounts that repeatedly share false information on Instagram may be restricted in other ways, like:
- Instagram users may not be able to tag or mention an account that has repeatedly shared false information.
- If someone tries to follow one of these accounts, they'll see a warning letting them know that the account has previously posted false information.
- We may also make posts by accounts that repeatedly share false information harder to find.
- We disable accounts that go against Instagram’s Community Guidelines. Learn more about our policies on these false information in Instagram’s Community Guidelines and COVID-19 and Vaccine Policy Updates and Protections.
Keep in mind that other restrictions may apply to accounts that repeatedly share false information.
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