Last week, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) initiated a request for information from individuals who have experienced restricted visibility or posting abilities on tech platforms, commonly referred to as “shadowbanning.” This phenomenon generally involves reduced visibility of a user’s posts or account, such as posts not appearing in followers’ feeds or on an app’s “Explore” page, or the account not being visible in search results.
Although social media platforms typically deny the existence of shadowbanning, it is a documented occurrence. The FTC, an independent body that investigates unfair business practices, now considers it a form of tech censorship and has invited individuals experiencing such issues to provide feedback. The FTC has also encouraged those who have been banned or demonetized from these platforms to share their experiences.
Dr. Carolina Are, a platform governance researcher at Northumbria University’s Center for Digital Citizens, emphasizes the importance of affected individuals submitting their comments. Are believes marginalized users targeted by censorship could provide valuable anonymous responses and examples. Are, who has previously experienced shadowbanning, has conducted research and written papers on the subject.
Are notes the timing of the request is notable due to the government’s own history of censorship, citing instances during the Trump administration, such as the removal of language relating to transgender and queer individuals from government websites and the call to eliminate Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion language in the sciences.
Are also speculates whether the FTC’s call for comments might be directed at conservatives alleging shadowbanning on platforms like Twitter, now X, following Elon Musk’s acquisition. However, Are states that the most likely targets of shadowbanning include LGBTQ individuals, sex workers, and other marginalized content creators. Recently, creators posting about Palestine have reported instances of shadowbanning, and the TikTok ban has been connected to pro-Palestinian content.
Are questions the potential effectiveness of this public comment initiative, referencing the UK’s Online Safety Act consultations, where privacy concerns were raised but the law passed nonetheless. However, Are believes responding to such consultations is vital as it creates a record of evidence that can be used in research to challenge platform power.
The FTC’s questions focus on issues like the impact of shadowbanning on income and whether these actions are facilitated by the lack of competition among major social media platforms. FTC Chairman Andrew N. Ferguson stated that the inquiry aims to better understand potential legal violations by tech firms in stifling American voices.
The public can submit comments until May 21 through the designated website, and private reports can be filed at ReportFraud.ftc.gov by selecting “Report Now.”
