Exclusive: GOP reps probe Zuckerberg, Meta for hiding ‘political and social’ content from users’ feeds

Two Republican lawmakers are pressing Meta over a decision to proactively opt users out of having “political and social” content suggested to them on two of the company’s social media platforms.

Republican Texas Reps. August Pfluger and Dan Crenshaw wrote a letter to Mark Zuckerberg, Meta’s CEO and founder, and Javier Olivan, Meta’s COO, requesting information from the firm about its February policy decision to start actively shielding users from “political and social” content on Instagram and Threads, platforms owned and operated by Meta. The two lawmakers contend that Meta’s decision to do so is questionable because users are capable of choosing content that they want to engage with, and because it hinders the flow of information to citizens about the actions of elected officials.

“Meta is making its own decisions on what content from their elected representatives a user sees rather than acting as a platform for all views. Your announcement mentions that this decision will not affect how a user views content. Conservative voices deserve the continued opportunity to use social media platforms such as Instagram to inform users of political and social issues, hold elected leaders responsible, and fight against disinformation,” the lawmakers wrote.

“It is crucial that company decisions do not undermine freedom of speech and expression. We believe that opting out of ‘political and social content’ is a decision that should be made by the user, not the platform,” they continued.

META Letter by Nick Pope on Scribd

Instagram is a popular photo- and content-sharing social media platform that is used by approximately 47% of American adults, according to Pew Research. Threads, meanwhile, is an extension of Instagram that is somewhat similar to X, formerly known as Twitter, and the platform has about 28 million daily active users in the U.S., according to The Washington Times.

The two legislators asked Meta to explain the timing of its decision, its definition of “political and social” content, and whether similar guidelines exist for other types of content like certain advertisements, according to the letter. Pfluger and Crenshaw requested that the firm provide its answers by no later than July 5.

Meta’s decision “[applies] to public accounts and in places where we recommend content such as Explore, Reels, In-Feed Recommendations and Suggested Users – it doesn’t change how we show people content from accounts they choose to follow,” the company said in February. “If political content – potentially related to things like laws, elections, or social topics – is posted by an account that is not eligible to be recommended, that account’s content can still reach their followers in Feed and Stories.”

Meta further clarified at the time that users who want to be recommended “political and social” content could opt-in to do so if they desired.

“Social media platforms have become vital tools for communication — allowing Members of Congress and other officials to engage directly with constituents,” Pfluger told the Daily Caller News Foundation. “Limiting our ability to reach constituents undermines our service to the public and restricts citizens’ access to information about their government. I urge Meta to prioritize transparency and uphold the principles of free speech and open communication, ensuring that all voices, including those of elected officials, can continue to be heard.”

Meta did not respond immediately to a request for comment.

All republished articles must include our logo, our reporter’s byline, and their DCNF affiliation. For any questions about our guidelines or partnering with us, please contact licensing@dailycallernewsfoundation.org.

DONATE TO BIZPAC REVIEW

Please help us! If you are fed up with letting radical big tech execs, phony fact-checkers, tyrannical liberals and a lying mainstream media have unprecedented power over your news please consider making a donation to BPR to help us fight them. Now is the time. Truth has never been more critical!