Instagram changes algorithm after alleged bias

Instagram is changing the way it showcases content after being accused of suppressing pro-Palestinian messages during the recent Gaza conflict. The app had favoured original content in its "stories" feature over existing, re-shared posts, but will now give them equal treatment, it said. The current system had a "bigger impact than expected" on some types of posts.

But that was an unintended side-effect rather than an attempt to censor any particular viewpoint, Instagram said.

During the recent Gaza conflict, social media platforms were heavily used to spread messages of support on both sides.

Many pro-Palestinian messages were among those widely re-shared - which means they would have received less prominence than original posts under the current system.

A company spokeswoman said the logic for prioritising original posts was that most Instagram users had more stories to follow than time to check them - and the company believed people were "more interested in original stories from their closest friends".

"It's also caused people to believe we were suppressing stories about particular topics or points of view. We want to be really clear - this isn't the case," she said.

"This applied to any post that's re-shared in stories, no matter what it's about."

Instagram has seen an increase in how many people are re-sharing posts in general, the platform said - and is now acknowledging that posts not "getting the reach people expect them to" is "not a good experience".

The spokeswoman also said the company had seen this issue over a long period of time, and it was not solely a reaction to the recent controversy.