Meta kills off CrowdTangle despite pleas from researchers, journalists – AP News
Meta Platforms has shut down CrowdTangle, a vital tool for monitoring misinformation, facing backlash from researchers and organizations. The new Meta Content Library is criticized for limited access and effectiveness.
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Meta Platforms has officially shut down CrowdTangle, a tool that was widely utilized by researchers, journalists, and watchdog organizations to monitor social media content, particularly for tracking misinformation. The decision, announced earlier this year, has faced significant backlash from various groups, including the Center for Democracy and Technology and Human Rights Watch, who argued that the tool was crucial for maintaining oversight during the upcoming U.S. presidential elections. They expressed concerns that the shutdown undermines Meta's transparency efforts at a time when public trust in digital platforms is fragile. CrowdTangle, which Meta acquired in 2016, was praised for its role in helping users identify harmful content and threats on Facebook and Instagram. In response to the criticism, Meta introduced the Meta Content Library as an alternative, but access is limited to academic researchers and nonprofits, excluding many news organizations. Critics have noted that the new tool is not as effective as CrowdTangle. Meta's president of global affairs, Nick Clegg, stated that the company is working to improve the Meta Content Library based on feedback from researchers, claiming that it offers a more comprehensive view of platform activity than CrowdTangle did.
- Meta has shut down CrowdTangle, a key tool for monitoring misinformation.
- The decision has been protested by researchers and organizations concerned about transparency.
- CrowdTangle was essential for tracking harmful content, especially during elections.
- The new Meta Content Library has limited access and is criticized for being less effective.
- Meta claims the new tool will provide a more comprehensive view of platform activity.
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