When will Meta pull the plug on someone representing the United States at the Paralympic Games in Paris, which start later this month?
When their sport uses a gun, of course.
According to a Wall Street Journal report late last month, McKenna Geer, a member of the U.S. team, will be competing in the air rifle event. However, last month, she said she was censored for posting about shooting-related things. Which, as you know, people who shoot for sport are known to do.
Geer, 28, has a condition known as amyoplasia arthrogryposis, which affects the muscles. You’d think that Mark Zuckerberg’s Meta — which runs Facebook and Instagram among its social media holdings — would read the room in terms of shadow-banning her. You’d be wrong.
“Earlier this month, Ms. Geer shared a photo on Instagram of the air rifle she used to qualify for the Paralympic Games,” the Journal reported on July 24.
“The company flagged the photo as out of line with its guidelines and informed her that nonfollowers wouldn’t be able to view her account or content in Instagram’s search, explore suggested users or similar features.”
The company’s explanation?
“Our Recommendations Guidelines help to promote content that fosters a safe community on Instagram,” it said.
Geer, who apparently knew this was a possibility, took to Instagram on July 17 to write about Meta’s decision.
“I have always feared the day the media would censor my sport and speech just because I use firearms,” she wrote. “That day has finally come.”
Hellbound and Down 