Meta apologizes for the sudden influx of graphic content on Instagram reels

Core Points - Meta has apologized for an error that led to users being recommended graphic and disturbing content on Instagram Reels [1][6] - Users reported a surge of violent short-form videos, including killings and cartel violence, which were marked as "sensitive content" but still recommended [2] - Meta has faced ongoing criticism regarding its content moderation practices, particularly since 2016, with issues related to illicit drug sales and the proliferation of violence in various countries [4] Content Moderation Changes - In January, Meta replaced third-party fact-checkers in the US with a community notes flagging model and planned to simplify its content policies [3] - The company aims to remove restrictions on topics like immigration and gender that are considered out of touch with mainstream discourse [3] - Meta's content moderation changes have drawn parallels to those made by Elon Musk on the social media platform X [5]