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Meta blocks links to Pixelfed after free speech commitment

Meta blocks links to Pixelfed after free speech commitment

GrafaGrafa2025/01/14 09:40
By:Isaac Francis

In a surprising move, Meta has begun blocking links to Pixelfed, a decentralised competitor to Instagram, just days after the company pledged to enhance free expression across its platforms.

On January 13, reports emerged that Facebook had been actively deleting links to pixelfed.social, labeling them as “spam.”

This action raises questions about the sincerity of Meta’s commitment to reducing censorship.

The issue was first highlighted by AJ Sadauskas on Bluesky, who shared screenshots showing the swift removal of Pixelfed links.

Fellow users reported similar experiences with other alternatives to Facebook being deleted for the same reason.

This censorship follows a January 7 announcement from Meta titled “More Speech and Fewer Mistakes,” where CEO Mark Zuckerberg promised to return the company to its roots of free expression.

Zuckerberg's statement included plans to reduce moderation and eliminate third-party fact-checkers in favor of a community-driven model.

However, the recent actions against Pixelfed appear contradictory to these promises.

Critics have noted that while Meta's actions may be aimed at suppressing competition rather than outright censorship, they do not align with the company's stated vision of promoting free speech.

The Wall Street Journal's Editorial Board pointed out that these changes might be more about appeasing political interests than genuinely fostering open dialogue.

Daniel Supernault, the creator of Pixelfed, has emphasised that his platform is committed to ethical digital practices and user privacy.

“Pixelfed is for the people, period,” he stated, highlighting a focus on community rather than commercial interests.

Despite Meta's claims of a mistake regarding the deletions, the timing has drawn skepticism.

As users seek alternatives amid changing policies on major platforms, Pixelfed has seen an increase in traffic and interest.

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Disclaimer: The content of this article solely reflects the author's opinion and does not represent the platform in any capacity. This article is not intended to serve as a reference for making investment decisions.

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