Instagram temporarily removes ‘Recent’ tab from hashtag listings to stop the spread of election misinformation. Unsplash
Instagram temporarily removes ‘Recent’ tab from hashtag listings to stop the spread of election misinformation. Unsplash
Instagram temporarily removes ‘Recent’ tab from hashtag listings to stop the spread of election misinformation. Unsplash
Instagram temporarily removes ‘Recent’ tab from hashtag listings to stop the spread of election misinformation. Unsplash

Instagram removes feature for US users before election day


Hayley Skirka
  • English
  • Arabic

With only a few days to go until the US election, Instagram users in the United States might have noticed something different about their account.

That's because the popular image sharing platform has temporarily paused "Recent" search listings on accounts based in the US.

The Facebook-owned platform announced the decision on Twitter.

Instagram said that it was temporarily removing the Recent tab from hashtag pages in a bid to "reduce the real-time spread of potentially harmful content that could pop up around the election."

Instagram's Recent tab shows the latest content on the site labelled with a particular hashtag, regardless of whether the content is relevant to the topic or not.

The five-day suspension of the service will apply to all hashtags, and not only those pertaining to the election. It's an attempt by the social media platform to limit how quickly misinformation can spread.

Some users were not happy about the move. One Twitter user said it could negatively impact small businesses and artists.

However, researchers have previously warned automated amplification can lead to the rapid spread of misinformation on the social media platform.

By removing the most recent categorisation, Instagram will show users "Top" results only. These are based on engagement and relevance and are less easily manipulated than listings under the "Recent" tab.

The social media company previously said it would take several measures to try to fight misinformation during the 2020 election.

Four years ago, when Trump first won the Presidency, Instagram's parent company Facebook was accused of collecting data on social media users without their consent, and then using this personal information to target people for political advertising.

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How to apply for a drone permit
  • Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
  • Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
  • Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
  • Submit their request
What are the regulations?
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  • Never over populated areas
  • Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
  • Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
  • Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
  • Should have a live feed of the drone flight
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How much do leading UAE’s UK curriculum schools charge for Year 6?
  1. Nord Anglia International School (Dubai) – Dh85,032
  2. Kings School Al Barsha (Dubai) – Dh71,905
  3. Brighton College Abu Dhabi - Dh68,560
  4. Jumeirah English Speaking School (Dubai) – Dh59,728
  5. Gems Wellington International School – Dubai Branch – Dh58,488
  6. The British School Al Khubairat (Abu Dhabi) - Dh54,170
  7. Dubai English Speaking School – Dh51,269

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VEZEETA PROFILE

Date started: 2012

Founder: Amir Barsoum

Based: Dubai, UAE

Sector: HealthTech / MedTech

Size: 300 employees

Funding: $22.6 million (as of September 2018)

Investors: Technology Development Fund, Silicon Badia, Beco Capital, Vostok New Ventures, Endeavour Catalyst, Crescent Enterprises’ CE-Ventures, Saudi Technology Ventures and IFC

F1 line ups in 2018

Mercedes-GP Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas; Ferrari Sebastian Vettel and Kimi Raikkonen; Red Bull Daniel Ricciardo and Max Verstappen; Force India Esteban Ocon and Sergio Perez; Renault Nico Hülkenberg and Carlos Sainz Jr; Williams Lance Stroll and Felipe Massa / Robert Kubica / Paul di Resta; McLaren Fernando Alonso and Stoffel Vandoorne; Toro Rosso TBA; Haas F1 Romain Grosjean and Kevin Magnussen; Sauber TBA

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Selected fixtures

All times UAE

Wednesday
Poland v Portugal 10.45pm
Russia v Sweden 10.45pm

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Croatia v England 10.45pm

Saturday
Netherlands v Germany 10.45pm
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Poland v Italy 10.45pm

Monday
Spain v England 10.45pm

Tuesday
France v Germany 10.45pm
Rep of Ireland v Wales 10.45pm

Info

What: 11th edition of the Mubadala World Tennis Championship

When: December 27-29, 2018

Confirmed: men: Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Kevin Anderson, Dominic Thiem, Hyeon Chung, Karen Khachanov; women: Venus Williams

Tickets: www.ticketmaster.ae, Virgin megastores or call 800 86 823

The biog

Marital status: Separated with two young daughters

Education: Master's degree from American Univeristy of Cairo

Favourite book: That Is How They Defeat Despair by Salwa Aladian

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Goal: For Nefsy to become his legacy long after he is gon

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