AI moderation algorithms suppress women's health content on social media
Instagram and Facebook reportedly use content moderation algorithms that incorrectly classify medically accurate women's health information as adult content. A survey of 4,000 young people found many struggle to find information on women's health on social media, with significant proportions believing such content is being restricted.
What happened
Instagram and Facebook have been found to incorrectly remove content around women's menstrual and sexual health, classifying it as adult content despite the use of anatomical terms.
A survey of 4,000 people aged 18-34 found that 34% of those aged 18-24 struggle to find information on women's health, and 33% of that age group believe content related to women's health can often be restricted or hidden on social media.
Reported impact
77% of those aged 18-34 are aware of 'shadow banning' β when a user's content is restricted, decategorised or hidden on a social media platform, limiting reach or engagement.
Young people are being denied access to information crucial to understand their bodies and to empower them to seek the help they may need.
Index analysis
The moderation algorithms appear to treat medically and anatomically correct language related to women's health as adult content, suggesting a biased classification system that distinguishes this content differently from equivalent men's health content.
Governance controls
Essity, CensHERship and the Period Equity Alliance launched a campaign to end shadow banning and ensure equal treatment of women's health content on social media platforms.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.