Meta AI Algorithms Suppress Palestinian Journalists' Gaza Coverage
A BBC investigation found that Facebook restricted the reach of Palestinian news organizations' content since October 2023, with engagement declining 77% on average and one outlet experiencing a 60% drop. Leaked documents showed Instagram increased moderation of Palestinian users' comments. Meta denies deliberately suppressing voices.
What happened
A BBC investigation analysed engagement data from 20 Palestinian news organizations' Facebook pages in the year before and the year after October 7, 2023. The data showed a 77% decline in audience engagement after the October 7 attacks. Palestine TV reported a 60% drop in the number of people seeing its posts. One Palestine TV journalist stated: 'The interaction was completely restricted and our posts stopped reaching people.'
Leaked documents reviewed by the BBC showed that Instagram increased its moderation of comments written by Palestinian users since October 2023. Palestinian journalists have expressed concerns that Meta is engaging in 'shadow banning'—restricting the reach of their content online without transparency.
Reported impact
Palestinian news organizations relied on Facebook and Instagram to reach global audiences during the Gaza conflict, particularly because foreign journalists had limited access to the territory. The restrictions on reach reduced their ability to disseminate information about events in Gaza to the wider world.
Index analysis
Meta stated that any suggestion it deliberately suppressed certain voices is 'inequivocably false.' The company did not provide an explanation for the engagement drop or the increased moderation of Palestinian users' comments.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.