Meta fixes error that exposed Instagram users to graphic and violent content

Meta has fixed an error that caused some users to see a flood of graphic and violent videos in their Instagram Reels feed. The fix comes after some users saw horrific and violent content despite having Instagram’s “Sensitive Content Control” enabled.

“We have fixed an error that caused some users to see content in their Instagram Reels feed that should not have been recommended,” a Meta spokesperson said in a statement to CNBC. “We apologize for the mistake.”

Meta’s policy states that it prohibits content that includes “videos depicting dismemberment, visible innards or charred bodies,” and “sadistic remarks towards imagery depicting the suffering of humans and animals.” However, users were shown videos that appeared to show dead bodies and graphic violence against humans and animals.

The error comes after Meta announced plans to loosen its content moderation policies to better promote free speech, a move that has been seen as the company repositioning itself for the Trump presidency.