Instagram is reportedly failing to enforce its own rules by allowing abusive comments to target high-profile accounts, as stated in a new report by the Center for Countering Digital Hate. The group claims that Meta, Instagram’s parent company, failed to remove 93 percent of reported comments, some containing racial slurs and violent threats. The study focused on comments directed at ten lawmakers, including Vice President Kamala Harris and Representative Marjorie Taylor-Greene, finding that Meta took no action against the majority of reported comments. CCDH CEO Imran Ahmed stated that Instagram’s inaction exacerbates the harm done to users. The report also highlighted that repetitive abusive comments have created a culture of impunity on the platform. With less than three months until the US presidential election, attacks on Harris were noted to have intensified. Meta responded by stating they would review the report and mentioned the tools available for users to control offensive comments on their posts.
