Meta engineer reveals Facebook suppresses anti-Kamala Harris posts
- A Meta engineer revealed in an undercover interview that Facebook demotes posts critical of Kamala Harris and may shadowban users who share such content.
- The engineer discussed the role of Meta's 'Integrity Team' and a system called 'civic classifiers' that targets political content for demotion.
- These revelations raise concerns about the potential influence of social media platforms on political discourse and upcoming elections.
In a recent undercover interview, a senior software engineer at Meta, Jeevan Gyawali, disclosed that Facebook has mechanisms in place to demote posts that are critical of Kamala Harris. This revelation came to light in October 2024, raising questions about the platform's role in shaping political narratives. Gyawali indicated that users who post such content could face shadowbanning, where their engagement and visibility on the platform are significantly reduced without their knowledge. The engineer elaborated on the function of Meta's 'Integrity Team,' which is responsible for developing classifiers that target political content. These 'civic classifiers' are designed to identify and demote posts deemed politically sensitive, effectively limiting their reach. Gyawali's comments suggest that any content related to political discourse is automatically subjected to scrutiny, which could stifle open discussion on the platform. Furthermore, Gyawali acknowledged that Meta has the capability to influence the upcoming 2024 election, implying that the company's policies could have far-reaching implications for political engagement online. This admission raises ethical concerns about the power of social media companies in moderating content and potentially swaying public opinion. The context of these revelations is critical, as they highlight ongoing debates about censorship, free speech, and the responsibilities of tech companies in democratic societies. As the election approaches, the implications of such practices could significantly affect voter perceptions and engagement.