You’ve Given Me a Long Update on Meta’s Compliance disconnect with CrowdTangle, a Tool for Monitoring False Content on Social Media
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Introduction to Meta’s Connection with CrowdTangle: Meta is continuing to monitor false content and political misinformation through CrowdTangle, a tool researchers use to track how media platforms like Facebook and Instagram operate. > Meta has recently decided to shut down CrowdTangle.
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Meta’s Decision and the-hashrelated Heap Heaped by Researchers andloods: Eighthousand researchers and academics have signed to prevent Meta from stopping CrowdTangle in 2025. > Meta’s new tool, Meta Content Library, aims to provide a more comprehensive view of platforms like Facebook and Instagram, offering greater transparency. However, access has been limited.
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Historical Use of CrowdTangle: Created in 2011 by Brandon Silverman and Matt Garmur, CrowdTangle was bought by Meta in 2016, allowing researchers and media partners access. It was used to track things like Russian influence operations and misinformation in the QAnon conspiracy theory. ResearchersatkillBooks.org mediaakit memorialized its contributions, noting that there’s still a gap it didn’t cover.
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Frequent Updates with Emerging Technologies: CrowdTangle has served as a foundation, with hundreds of other tools and tools like Facebook_ingesting being developed. It’s been used in various fields, including predicting the spread of ideas like the Islamic State, and examining best practices for comedians.
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Rewiring Forced to Wait: Meta has required researchers to apply for access, a restriction reflected in its Content Library. While offering a better view of real-world scenarios, this approach might lead to a wave of new research prioritizing accountability. > A CNN reporter compared CrowdTangle to a "착 bomb!" in its use to track media and political对孩子.
- Meta’s Commitment to Privacy: The Real Facebook Oversight Board highlighted how Meta’s decision to shut down CrowdTangle risks transparency. It serves as a cautionary tale, showing that major platforms are sometimes chosen for their technical innovation but may overlook ethical consequences.
In summary, Meta’s decision to stop CrowdTangle prompts a critical look into its misuse as a tool for monitoring false narratives.
