Instagram limits showing political content from accounts you don't follow as a default option in the app. It was expected that the launch of this function would be notified, but Meta decided not to do so and even activate it by default for all users.
Rumors about it began last February, and users already had in mind that this was coming. Currently, the setup has been released and here we will tell you everything about it. Let's see what it is and where it is located.
Why does Instagram ban political content from accounts you don't follow?
As a "preventive" or perhaps "persuasive" measure on Meta's part, he wants users stop receiving political content on Instagram and Threads, from accounts that do not follow. The news has been surprising and even a little invasive, considering that the functionality was launched by default and without being warned.
Users They woke up with a configuration that limits them to seeing political content from accounts they do not follow, without first consulting them. Or at least, leave the decision in their hands to activate the option or not. However, this can be reversed, and below we will tell you the steps to do it:
- Enter Instagram and go directly to your profile.
- Press the settings menu located in the upper right corner of the screen.
- Once inside look for the option «suggested content» and then enter «political content«
- There you will see the two options where it is marked «limitar«.
- You just have to press on «do not limit» and you will exit the default activation imposed by Instagram.
If you follow an account with political content, you will continue to see their publications despite having the limitation active. This will only apply to political content from accounts you don't follow, including accounts of presidents.
What is political content for Instagram?
According to the Instagram help center, political content is defined as: any publication that includes social, government and election issues. It does not clarify much about the content made by political influencers or media outlets that cover these topics.
Now the way how to use instagram will change for these content creators who may see the reach of their publications limited. Also, it will affect media accounts that report national and international political events.
However, Meta has indicated that the main reason is due to requests from users of the social network who want improve the privacy of an Instagram account. Furthermore, this year there are presidential elections coming up in the United States, with one of the possible candidates being former US President Donald Trump, a quite controversial character in past elections with Facebook. What do you think of this function on the social network and the way it has been activated?