Recently, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) initiated a request for information from individuals who believe their visibility on tech platforms has been curtailed, commonly referred to as being shadowbanned.
Shadowbanning generally describes a scenario where a user’s posts or account receive restricted visibility, which can include not appearing in followers’ feeds or search results.
Understanding the impact of censorship on digital content
While many social media platforms refute the existence of shadowbanning, it is, in fact, a well-documented phenomenon. The FTC, known for investigating unfair business practices, has labeled this situation as tech censorship and is urging affected users to share their experiences. Additionally, those who have faced bans or monetization issues are encouraged to contribute their comments.
A platform governance researcher believes that individuals affected by shadowbanning should voice their concerns. They argue that users are the best experts on their own experiences, particularly marginalized groups that may be targeted.
The researcher also emphasized the importance of contributions from those with data on the impact of shadowbanning, particularly on marginalized communities. They noted that this request comes at a crucial time as the government has been criticized for instances of censorship, including the removal of references to LGBTQ and reproductive rights from official resources.
Addressing concerns of shadowbanning on social media
The implications of this FTC inquiry extend beyond individual cases, raising questions regarding the broader impact on various content creators. There are concerns that shadowbanning may disproportionately affect LGBTQ individuals, sex workers, and others discussing sensitive topics online.
In recent discussions, creators advocating for Palestine have reported instances of being shadowbanned, highlighting the ongoing debate about censorship surrounding geopolitical topics.
The effectiveness of this public comment initiative remains uncertain, especially considering past legal actions that have proceeded despite expert concerns over privacy. Nevertheless, submitting comments is vital to create a backlog of evidence that can support future research on platform power dynamics.
The FTC has posed interesting questions regarding how shadowbanning affects individuals’ incomes and whether a lack of competition among social media platforms facilitates such practices. FTC Chairman Andrew N. Ferguson highlighted the need for tech firms to respect users, stating, “This inquiry will help the FTC better understand how these firms may have violated the law by silencing and intimidating Americans for speaking their minds.”
Members of the public can submit a comment until May 21, with options available for filing a private report through appropriate channels.
