In an effort to eliminate bias on its platform, Instagram has built a product Equity team. This team will work to combat bias during product development, as well as ensure the platform’s algorithm is operating fairly.
Adam Mosseri, head of Instagram, announced the newly-appointed product Equity team in an About Facebook blog post. The changes come after Instagram promised to elevate the voices of underrepresented groups.
Mosseri noted that “people are turning to the platform to raise awareness for the racial, civic, and social causes they care about.” In turn, the Equity team will make sure that all voices are heard.
Mosseri also outlined what exactly the product Equity team will do, stating:
The Equity team will focus on creating fair and equitable products. This includes working with Facebook’s Responsible AI team to ensure algorithmic fairness. In addition, they’ll create new features that respond to the needs of underserved communities.
By creating equitable products and addressing any bias within Instagram’s algorithm, the platform hopes that more users will feel comfortable expressing themselves on the platform.
Besides developing an Equity team, Instagram also plans on hiring a Director for Diversity and Inclusion. This person will be responsible for discovering and uplifting “more diverse talent.”
Instagram is actively working to eliminate hate speech as well. The platform updated its hate speech policies to tackle any content that includes anti-Semitic stereotypes and blackface.
In the same post, Instagram also announced its effort to make its account verification process more inclusive. This is meant to grow opportunities for more diverse accounts, as well as users with smaller followings.
Instagram is making a more balanced experience for its users. That said, these measures give more opportunities for users to grow their accounts and stand out from the crowd.