Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA), the ranking member of the Senate Small Business Committee, has sent a letter to Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg accusing the company of "shadow banning" and removing social media posts related to the U.S. military. Citing a 2022 Washington Post report on social media "deamplification," Ernst alleges that Meta has suppressed content, including posts from the military and even those featuring the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Ernst's letter expresses concern that Meta's practices are hindering military recruitment efforts, emphasizing the importance of social media platforms for connecting with younger generations. She argues that the service of military personnel should be celebrated, not restricted. The senator also criticizes Meta for allegedly adjusting its content violation policies without clear justification and points to reports indicating an increase in restrictions on military-related content.
The letter includes specific examples of alleged suppression, such as a six-hour suspension of a post resulting in a loss of thousands of impressions and engagements. Ernst also mentions instances where the GoArmy social media account was flagged for violating guidelines and temporarily placed on "non-recommendable" status. Among the posts affected were those showcasing the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and soldiers on a helicopter.
Ernst's letter requests Zuckerberg to provide details on Meta's content moderation guidelines for military-related content and how these guidelines are communicated to users. She also seeks an explanation for the apparent suppression of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier post and what measures Meta has taken to prevent similar incidents in the future. Additionally, the senator demands an estimate of the cost of suppressed Pentagon-sanctioned advertisements.
