Meta's Closure of CrowdTangle: Implications for Misinformation Oversight

Thursday, 15 August 2024, 12:00

Meta Platforms has officially discontinued CrowdTangle, a vital tool for researchers, journalists, and watchdogs monitoring misinformation on platforms like Facebook and Instagram. This closure has prompted significant backlash from various organizations, as they argue it undermines essential oversight and transparency ahead of the U.S. presidential elections. Despite Meta introducing a new tool, Meta Content Library, access remains limited, raising concerns over the efficacy of misinformation tracking amidst increasing threats to digital democracy.
Fast Company
Meta's Closure of CrowdTangle: Implications for Misinformation Oversight

Overview of the CrowdTangle Shutdown

Meta Platforms, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has announced the discontinuation of CrowdTangle, a tool that has been crucial for monitoring social media misinformation. The decision has been met with widespread criticism from researchers and watchdog organizations.

Impact on Election Oversight

Several nonprofit groups and researchers believe this shutdown jeopardizes vital pre- and post-election oversight. A letter from organizations like the Center for Democracy and Technology states that the closure undermines Meta’s transparency efforts at a time when digital democracy is increasingly fragile.

Reactions from the Community

Many advocates argue that CrowdTangle has been an essential tool for identifying harmful content related to misinformation, hate speech, and voter suppression on Facebook.

Alternative Options Provided by Meta

While Meta has introduced the Meta Content Library as an alternative, access restrictions mean most news organizations cannot utilize it. Critics argue that it lacks the functionality of CrowdTangle.

Conclusion

The discontinuation of CrowdTangle raises significant concerns about the future of social media transparency as the demand for effective misinformation tracking becomes more critical. Meta’s new offerings appear inadequate compared to what CrowdTangle provided.


This article was prepared using information from open sources in accordance with the principles of Ethical Policy. The editorial team is not responsible for absolute accuracy, as it relies on data from the sources referenced.


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