Meta Apologizes, Resolves Instagram Reels Glitch Showing Graphic Videos
Meta has issued an apology after a technical glitch led to Instagram Reels recommending violent and graphic content to users.
In a statement, a Meta spokesperson confirmed that the issue had been fixed, acknowledging that some users were shown inappropriate content that should not have appeared in their feeds. “We apologize for the mistake,” the company stated, without providing details on the cause of the error.
Reports of the issue surfaced on Tuesday, with users claiming they were inundated with videos depicting violence, including beatings and killings, many of which were labeled as sensitive content by the platform.
The incident comes as Meta intensifies its push to enhance short-form video engagement amid uncertainty over TikTok’s future in the U.S.. With TikTok facing a potential ban unless it finds a new U.S.-based owner, Instagram has introduced several features aimed at attracting users, including longer video durations and a tap-to-pause option for Reels.
Meta is also preparing to launch “Edits”, a new video creation app similar to CapCut, which is widely used by TikTok creators.
The glitch follows recent shifts in Meta’s content moderation policies. In January, the company announced plans to replace fact-checkers with a Community Notes system, allowing users to provide context to posts. Additionally, Meta scaled back its automated content removal systems, choosing to focus primarily on severe violations such as terrorism, child exploitation, and fraud.
Despite concerns that these moderation changes could lead to increased harmful content, a Meta spokesperson clarified that the Reels glitch was unrelated to the company’s revised content policies.
