Meta apologizes after Instagram fails to block graphic Reels – to spin off Reels into a separate app

Efe Udin

February 27, 2025

Meta has issued an apology after Instagram users reported seeing violent and explicit Reels, even with the sensitive content filter enabled. According to CNN, the company attributed the issue to a technical error, which it says has now been resolved.

Users report graphic content in Reels

On February 26, Instagram users across social media platforms raised concerns about an increase in graphic content appearing in their Reels feed. Some users described being shown extreme violence, including fights and even murder. Others reported encountering explicit material, despite adjusting their settings to limit sensitive content.

One user commented, “Suddenly it’s very graphic,” while another said, “Within a few swipes, my feed is back to either showing me gore or porn.”

Meta responds to complaints

Following widespread reports, Meta acknowledged the issue and issued a statement apologizing for the mistake. A company spokesperson told CNBC, “We have fixed an error that caused some users to see content in their Instagram Reels feed that should not have been recommended. We apologize for the mistake.”

This incident comes shortly after Meta announced significant changes to its content moderation approach. The company has shifted from using large teams of human moderators to relying more on artificial intelligence to detect and filter harmful content.

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Meta says its AI system can find and take down most bad content before users flag it. But this recent issue brings up worries about how well AI can handle such tasks, mainly with very sensitive posts. Meta is not the only one moving to AI for content checks. Apps like TikTok also use AI to deal with huge amounts of posts. While AI helps manage the load, cases like this show its flaws and the risks of cutting back on human checks.

Instagram may launch a standalone Reels app as TikTok faces US ban

In another report, Instagram is said to be looking into a new app just for Reels as TikTok faces an unsure future in the US. The China-based app could be banned if its owner, ByteDance, does not meet US rules. With TikTok’s future unclear, Instagram wants to grow Reels and draw in users looking for a new option.

Meta, which owns Instagram, has made solo apps before to take on rivals. In January, it launched Edits to rival ByteDance’s CapCut. Before that, it made Lasso in 2018, but the app shut down in 2020. Now, Instagram’s head Adam Mosseri has talked about a Reels-only app. This app could help Instagram lead the short-video space if TikTok leaves the US.

The US has long claimed ByteDance is a risk to safety due to data issues. A law says ByteDance must sell TikTok’s US part by January 19, 2025, or face a ban. But then, President Donald Trump pushed the ban back by 75 days, giving ByteDance more time to talk.

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Source/VIA :

CNN, Timesnownews