The algorithm of Instagram accelerates the dissemination of images of child abuse, according to research conducted by American universities. According to the researchers, the trade of such images is more prevalent on Instagram than on other social media platforms.
Instagram’s algorithm displays posts that users find interesting, based on their past behaviour and interactions. Therefore, the algorithm directs users who frequently search for images of child abuse to profiles that share such content.
For the study, the researchers created new accounts and identified specific hashtags used to connect profiles promoting child abuse or viewing such images.
Once the researchers visited a few profiles, their accounts were flooded with images of child abuse. They also received numerous links to external websites where such images are traded.
The researchers examined other social media platforms as well, but they found that Instagram stood out regarding the trade of images of child abuse.
Meta, the parent company of Instagram, acknowledges that combating such content on the platform has not been entirely successful. Meta claims to be making every effort to prevent its spread and has established a dedicated task force to address the issue. The company states that it has taken down 27 paedophile networks in the past two years.