Meta is facing fresh accusations of censoring LGBTQ+ and abortion access groups, after dozens of accounts were removed across Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. According to The Guardian, more than 50 organisations worldwide say their accounts were taken down, with many linked to queer advocacy and reproductive health.
While most affected groups are based in the UK and Europe, organisations in Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East were also impacted. Martha Dimitratou of Repro Uncensored said, “Within this last year, especially since the new US presidency, we have seen a definite increase in accounts being taken down – not only in the US, but also worldwide as a ripple effect…This has been, to my knowledge, at least one of the biggest waves of censorship we are seeing.”
The removals come amid ongoing backlash over Meta’s recent policy changes, which loosen rules around hate speech targeting queer people. Critics warn the changes could fuel real-world harm. Meta denies targeting any specific movement. A spokesperson said, “Every organisation and individual on our platforms is subject to the same set of rules,” adding that abortion-related policies have not changed. Advocates say the impact tells a different story.
