Leading adviser quits over Instagram’s failure to remove self-harm content
A prominent psychologist who has been a part of Meta’s global expert group for over three years has made a bold move by resigning from her role. Lotte Rubæk decided to step down due to her belief that Instagram, a platform owned by Meta, is neglecting harmful content related to self-harm, ultimately putting vulnerable individuals, especially young women and girls, at risk.
Rubæk has accused Meta of prioritizing profits over the safety and well-being of its users, claiming that the tech giant has repeatedly ignored expert advice to remove images that could trigger self-harm behaviors. According to Rubæk, the presence of such content on Instagram is contributing to the increasing number of suicide cases, particularly among the youth.
In her resignation letter, Rubæk expressed her disappointment in Meta’s lack of genuine concern for its users’ safety, emphasizing that the company seems more focused on keeping users engaged on their platforms to generate revenue.
Despite Meta’s recent announcement to hide content related to suicide and self-harm from teenage users, Rubæk believes that more needs to be done to address the root of the problem. She highlighted the challenges users face in reporting potentially triggering images on Instagram, citing examples where such content remained accessible even after reporting.
Rubæk’s decision to leave the expert group comes after years of advocating for a safer online environment for young people on social media platforms, especially Instagram. Her concerns about the company’s reluctance to take concrete actions to remove harmful content have led her to believe that the expert group she was a part of was merely for show.
As online platforms continue to play a significant role in shaping the lives of young individuals, the debate surrounding the responsibility of tech companies like Meta in regulating harmful content is becoming increasingly crucial. Rubæk’s resignation sheds light on the challenges and complexities involved in maintaining a safe digital space for users, particularly those who are vulnerable to self-harm behaviors.
The issue of online safety, especially concerning self-harm and suicide-related content, remains a pressing concern that tech companies need to address urgently. The call for greater accountability and transparency in handling such content is essential to prevent further harm and ensure the well-being of users, especially young individuals who are most at risk.
The resignation of a leading adviser like Rubæk serves as a wake-up call for Meta and other tech giants to reevaluate their policies and practices regarding harmful content on their platforms. It underscores the need for a more proactive approach in protecting users from potentially harmful material and creating a safer online environment for all.
