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Instagram’s recommendation algorithm suggested neo-Nazi merchandise to a Combat Antisemitism Movement (CAM) monitoring account last week, before Meta removed the listing.
The post appeared under Instagram’s “Suggested for You” label, marking it as a platform recommendation rather than a result the user had searched for.
The listing advertised socks bearing a Nazi-era eagle-and-swastika emblem marked “1944.” The listing priced the socks at 8 euros with a minimum order of five pairs, and had already drawn 246 likes, seven shares, and 84 saves.
CAM’s main concern was less that such content existed on the platform, and more that Instagram recommended it. Recommendation systems should never promote neo-Nazi merchandise to users who are not seeking extremist content.
CAM alerted Meta directly, and the company quickly confirmed that it had removed the listing. CAM credits Meta for its swift response.
This is not an isolated case. CAM has previously documented how Instagram’s recommendation systems can spread antisemitic conspiracies to millions. CAM will continue to monitor how platform algorithms surface hateful content and work with Meta to address similar issues as they arise.
Read more:
Instagram’s Algorithm Feeds Antisemitic Content to Millions, New CAM Research Finds
Algorithmic Escalation: From Self-Improvement Content to Antisemitism on Instagram
