Instagram and Threads users will now see more political content from accounts they don’t follow, as Meta announced a major policy shift. Starting this week in the U.S. and expanding globally next week, users will no longer be able to completely opt out of unsolicited political posts. Instead, they can choose from three settings: Less, Standard, or More.
A Focus on “Free Expression”
Meta says the change aligns with its new emphasis on “free expression,” which also saw the company discontinue its use of fact-checkers earlier this week. Adam Mosseri, head of Instagram and Threads, explained that users have asked for more exposure to such posts, despite his earlier opposition to news and political content.
“My hope is that this focus on free speech will allow us to stay true to our roots—creativity and giving anyone a voice,” Mosseri said in a video on Instagram.
Mixed Reactions
While some users and influencers praised the move as a step toward greater freedom of expression, others voiced strong concerns about its implications.
- Disinformation Risk: Critics warn the policy could accelerate the spread of misinformation to Meta’s 2 billion users.
- Impact on Marginalized Groups: Experts like Brooke Erin Duffy of Cornell University argue that relaxed moderation may harm marginalized communities, including women, people of color, and LGBTQ+ individuals.
- Shift in Platform Dynamics: Drew Benvie, CEO of Battenhall, suggests this could push users toward alternative platforms like Bluesky, especially as the U.S. political landscape heats up.
User Reactions
The policy change has sparked diverse reactions online:
- On Threads, one user lamented, “Time to delete the Threads app. It was nice while it lasted.”
- On Instagram, some users welcomed the update as a positive step toward open discussion, while others feared an uptick in misinformation and divisive rhetoric.
A New Era for Content Moderation
This marks a significant shift from Mosseri’s earlier statements in 2023, when he emphasized Threads and Instagram should prioritize communities around sports, music, and fashion over politics.
Critics remain skeptical. “This move will amplify hate speech and disinformation while silencing vulnerable voices,” Duffy said, warning of “winners and losers” in the new content landscape.
With these changes, Meta’s platforms are poised to play a more central role in shaping political discourse—raising questions about their responsibility in moderating content and safeguarding online communities.