After setting up an experimental teen account on Instagram, a Labour MP was shocked to find offensive antisemitic remarks surfacing within just 11 minutes.
Melanie Ward is challenging Meta, the parent company of Instagram and Facebook, following the appearance of a video featuring a banned “Manosphere” influencer on the 17-year-old’s account.
Accusing the tech giant of misleading parents and lawmakers about the effectiveness of their Teen Account feature, she is taking a stand against the disturbing content.
During her test in March, the MP browsed through the feed without following any accounts or seeking out profiles, yet was presented with a video showcasing influencer Sneako.
The video depicted the controversial American figure participating in a live stream where his guest made derogatory remarks about wealthy Jewish business individuals potentially having ties to Mossad, Israel’s intelligence agency.
Sneako, also known as Nicolas Kenn De Balinthazy, was featured in Louis Theroux’s recent Netflix documentary on the Manosphere, which explores a network of contentious online influencers emphasizing ultra-masculinity.
Known for promoting antisemitic content, Sneako has a history of endorsing hate messages, such as singing Kanye West’s controversial song “Heil Hitler” in a nightclub alongside other influencers like Andrew Tate.
Ms. Ward, a supporter of implementing a social media prohibition for those under 16, has demanded a meeting with Meta’s UK Country Director, Shruti Dube, emphasizing the responsibility of the platform to safeguard young users from harmful and radicalizing content.
In her letter, the MP for Cowdenbeath and Kirkcaldy expressed deep concern over the content shown on the account she created, highlighting its promotion of racially motivated conspiracy theories and hatred, particularly targeted at impressionable young boys.
She criticized Instagram’s algorithm for exposing her to antisemitic content within a short period despite no active search or account following, stressing that such material would cause outrage if presented in an educational setting.
With the introduction of Teen Accounts in 2024 by Instagram to regulate teen contact and content exposure, the Government is preparing to enhance social media safety measures for children following a consultation period.
Proposed measures include a potential social media ban for children, limitations on addictive design elements, and curfews on usage.
Keir Starmer vowed to hold tech companies accountable for protecting children online, emphasizing the need for change and warning of impending regulations during discussions with them.
Meta has been contacted for a response and is reportedly engaging with Ms. Ward regarding her concerns.
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