Meta fixes moderation error that flooded Instagram Reels with violent content
Meta's Instagram Reels recommendation system experienced a bug on February 26, 2025, that flooded user feeds globally with violent and graphic videos regardless of content filtering settings. Meta fixed the error on February 27 and apologized, though the specific cause of the malfunction was not disclosed.
What happened
A bug in Meta's content recommendation system caused Instagram users' Reels feeds to be filled with violent and bloody videos starting around February 26, 2025.
Users reported seeing disturbing content despite having enabled 'sensitive content control' settings. Meta fixed the error on February 27 and apologized, stating: 'We have corrected an error that caused some users to see content that should not have been recommended on their Instagram Reels page, and we apologize to users for this.'
Reported impact
Instagram users globally experienced feeds flooded with violent and graphic content. The exact number of affected users was not disclosed by Meta, but multiple complaints appeared on social media.
Index analysis
Meta relies increasingly on automated content moderation tools following its decision in early 2025 to discontinue its fact-checking program in the United States. The platform has faced criticism for failing to balance content recommendations with user safety in past incidents, including violence during Myanmar's genocide, eating disorder content promoted to teenagers, and misinformation during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Governance controls
Meta's policies prohibit violent and gory content, with such videos normally removed to protect users from harmful material. Exceptions are made when content raises awareness of human rights or conflict-related issues.
Classification
Sources and evidence
Sources not yet published
This record was researched and written by the Index from original reporting. Its sources are still being verified by an editor, and they are listed here once that check is complete. Until then the record carries no reviewer.