### FTC Probes Shadowbanning, Invites Public Feedback
Recently, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced a call for information from individuals who feel their capacity to post or be seen on social media platforms has been limited—often referred to as **shadowbanning**.
Shadowbanning manifests in various ways, typically denoting a reduction in a user’s content or account visibility. This may involve posts not being visible in followers’ feeds, omission from an app’s “Explore” section, or an account failing to appear in search results.
#### **FTC Classifies Shadowbanning as Tech Censorship**
Although social media companies frequently **reject the notion of shadowbanning**, multiple reports indicate otherwise. The FTC, an independent entity that scrutinizes unfair business practices, has now categorized shadowbanning as a form of **tech censorship**. The commission is calling for individuals who have encountered shadowbanning, bans, or demonetization on digital platforms to share their experiences.
Dr. Carolina Are, a researcher focused on platform governance at Northumbria University’s Center for Digital Citizens, highlighted the significance of community involvement in this investigation.
*”Users know their own experiences best, and particularly those from marginalized groups facing censorship should provide input and examples anonymously,”* stated Are, who has previously discussed the topic of shadowbanning.
She also urged researchers possessing data on how shadowbanning disproportionately impacts marginalized communities to contribute. Having faced shadowbanning herself, Are has authored **academic studies** on the matter.
#### **A Timed Inquiry With Political Context?**
Are pointed out the timing of the FTC’s request, reminding that government censorship has raised concerns in the past. She brought up actions by the Trump administration, including **erasing references to transgender and queer individuals** on government platforms and removing pages related to LGBTQ and reproductive rights. Additionally, recent attempts to strip away **Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) language** from scientific research have fueled worries about wider censorship patterns.
She questioned if the FTC’s effort is directed at **conservatives asserting they are shadowbanned**. For instance, after Elon Musk’s takeover of X (previously Twitter), some figures on the right claimed they faced shadowbanning.
However, Are contended that the primary victims of shadowbanning are not conservatives but rather **LGBTQ individuals, sex workers, sex educators, and various other marginalized content creators**. Lately, creators discussing **Palestine** have reported being shadowbanned, with some attributing the **TikTok ban** to pro-Palestinian narratives.
#### **Will This Initiative Inspire Change?**
Are expressed doubt regarding the impact of the FTC’s public comment solicitation. She referenced the UK’s **Online Safety Act**, where expert concerns about privacy threats were disregarded, and the legislation was enacted anyway.
*”Nonetheless, participating in these consultations is crucial as it establishes a documented record,”* she articulated. *”This may subsequently be utilized in research and as a basis for advocating against platform monopolies.”*
The FTC’s **questions** encompass how shadowbanning has influenced users’ earnings and whether these actions are due to a lack of competition among leading social media companies.
FTC Chairman Andrew N. Ferguson remarked, *”Tech firms should not intimidate their users… This inquiry will enable the FTC to gain a clearer understanding of how these firms might have breached the law by silencing and intimidating Americans for expressing their views.”*
#### **How to Provide Feedback**
The public is invited to submit their comments until **May 21** via the [FTC’s public comment portal](https://www.regulations.gov/docket/FTC-2025-0023/document). Those wishing to file a private report may do so at [ReportFraud.ftc.gov](http://ReportFraud.ftc.gov) by selecting **”Report Now.”**