How Strict Are Different Platforms?
Moreover, the strictness and regularity of policy implementation may vary per platform.
Notably,TikTok is the only platform that doesnt officially employ all 3 content moderation methods.
Human or staff review and AI enforcement are observed in the other 3 platforms policies.
In most cases,the platforms claim to employ the methods hand-in-hand.
YouTube and X (formerly Twitter) describe using a combination of machine learning and human reviewers.
Meta has a uniqueOversight Boardthat manages more complicated cases.
Banning Accounts
All platform policies include the implementation of account bans for repeat or single severe violations.
Adult content is also heavily moderated per the official community guidelines.
YouTube is the only one to impose a blanket prohibition on gory or distressing materials.
The other platforms allow such content but might add warnings for users.
All platforms have a zero-tolerance policy for content relating to child exploitation.
Meta allows discussions of crime for awareness or news but prohibits advocating for or coordinating harm.
Other official metrics for restriction include the following:
What Gets Censored the Most?
Overall, major platforms community and safety guidelines are generally strict and clear regarding whats allowed or not.
However,what content moderation looks like in practice may be very different.
Facebook primarily censors profanity and explicit terms through audio bleeping and subtitle removal.
However, some news-related posts are able to retain full details.
On the other hand, TikTok uses audio censorship and alters captions.
As such, many creators regularly use coded language when discussing sensitive topics.
However, it still allows offensive words in some contexts (educational, scientific, etc.).
X combines a mix of redactions, visual blurring, and muted audio.
Meanwhile, user-generated content discussing similar topics faced audio censorship.
Is Social Media Moderation Just Security Theater?
Overall, its clear thatplatform censorship for content moderation is enforced inconsistently.
However, we know thatmany creators are able to circumvent or avoid automated moderation.
Certain types of accounts receive preferential treatment in terms of restrictions.
Are Platforms Capable of Implementing Strict Blanket Restrictions on Inappropriate Content?
Are Social Media Platforms Deliberately Performing Selective Moderation?
At the beginning of 2025, Meta made waves after it announced that it would beremoving fact-checkers.
Community guidelines arent fail-safes for ensuring safe, uplifting, and constructive spaces online.
We believe that what AI algorithms or fact-checkers consider safe shouldnt be seen as the standard or universal truth.
We used hashtags to identify content related to sensitive topics, controversial discussions, and potential censorship cases.
