Meta's systems force Trump follows and suppress contraceptive content
Meta's platforms reportedly forced users to follow Donald Trump on Facebook and Instagram without consent after his inauguration, and also suppressed or blocked contraceptive-related accounts and content. Meta's AI moderation systems appeared to malfunction in both cases, with the company later acknowledging excessive application of policies.
What happened
Starting January 21, 2025, dozens of users on Facebook and Instagram reported being automatically followed to Donald Trump's accounts without requesting it. Many users who attempted to unfollow Trump's profile experienced technical difficulties.
Meta's communications director Andy Stone denied that Facebook or Instagram could force users to follow specific accounts. Singer Gracie Abrams reported that her account followed Trump 'without her consent' and that she was subsequently unable to unfollow.
Meta's Instagram and Facebook platforms were also blocking or suspending accounts of contraceptive medicine providers and hiding their posts from search results. Meta confirmed these actions to The New York Times but attributed them to enforcement of policies prohibiting the sale of pharmaceutical products without certification.
Reported impact
Users reported being unable to control their follows on the platforms, with complaints accumulating over several days. Multiple contraceptive providers reported their accounts being suspended and their content hidden from search results.
Index analysis
Meta later acknowledged that its moderation policies may have been applied excessively, suggesting some posts and accounts were removed in error. Following contact from The New York Times, some of the affected contraceptive-related accounts returned to normal activity.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.