Instagram’s algorithm promotes pedophile content, new report finds

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Instagram pedophile algorithm overview: 

• Who: An investigation by The Wall Street Journal and academics at Stanford University and University of Massachusetts Amherst found Instagram has algorithms in place that help promote pedophilic content. 
• Why: The report found pedophile networks use Instagram algorithms to commission and sell underage sex and other explicit content. 
• Where: The investigation is nationwide. 
• How to find help: If you or a loved one was sexually assaulted or abused in an athletic, school, religious, medical, employment, camp or organizational setting, you may be eligible to file a sexual assault or abuse lawsuit.

Pedophile networks use Instagram algorithms to commission and sell unlawful and explicit underage sex content, according to a new report from The Wall Street Journal (WSJ). 

The investigation, conducted by the WSJ and academics at Stanford University and University of Massachusetts Amherst, found Instagram has recommendation systems in place that help connect pedophiles and guide them to potential content sellers. 

“With blatant hashtags, a pedophile network has flourished on Instagram. The platform doesn’t merely host these activities. Its algorithms have actively promoted them,” The WSJ tweeted last week. 

As part of their investigation, researchers said they found Instagram accounts using explicit hashtags connected to pedophilia while blatantly advertising underage sex images for either purchase or commission.  

Researchers also reportedly discovered menus of explicit content — which included images and videos of bestiality and self harm —  on the Instagram profiles. 

“Pedophiles have long used the internet, but unlike the forums and file-transfer services that cater to people who have interest in illicit content, Instagram doesn’t mearly host these activities,” the WSJ reports. 

Meta responds by setting up internal task force to combat pedophile networks

Meta responded to the report by setting up an internal task force, while acknowledging the platform is dealing with enforcement problems, Engadget reports. 

The social networking company says it took actions to try to combat pedophilia, including by restricting its systems from recommending searches related to sex abuse. 

“Child exploitation is a horrific crime,” Meta told the WSJ in a statement. “We’re continuously investigating ways to actively defend against this behavior.”

In addition to forming the task force, Meta says it is working on preventing child sexual abuse networks and actively taking steps to change its systems. 

The company says it removed 27 pedophile networks within the last two years and is working on removing more. Meta also blocked thousands of hashtags related to sexual abuse, Engadget reports. 

In related news, the parents of an 11-year-old girl who was allegedly groomed by multiple men on Instagram filed a class action lawsuit against Meta last year. 

If you (as a child) or your child suffered sexual abuse by a leader or member of a religious institution or another large organization in the state of Pennsylvania, you may qualify for a free case evaluation.

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