Technology
Tumblr Automated System Error Banned Numerous Users, Disproportionately Trans Women
An automated moderation error on Tumblr Wednesday resulted in numerous account bans. Automattic, Tumblr's parent company, stated that the system incorrectly flagged several users, including members of the trans community, and has since been disabled and the users restored.
On Wednesday, a wave of bans on Tumblr triggered panic among users after an automated system terminated numerous accounts. According to The Verge, many affected users reported that the bans disproportionately impacted accounts run by trans women. Some users shared screenshots of ban notification emails citing an "internally-generated report" and the possible use of automated means to identify the content at issue. Automattic, Tumblr's parent company, confirmed the bans in a statement to The Verge. Chenda Ngak, head of communications at Automattic, stated that many bans were made in error and have been reversed. Automattic says it is working to maintain platform health and adapt its systems to prevent bad actors from spreading harm.
Key Facts
- An automated moderation error on Tumblr led to numerous account bans on Wednesday.
- The automated system disproportionately impacted accounts run by users identifying as trans women.
- Some users received emails citing an internally-generated report and possible automated means.
- Automattic, Tumblr's parent company, confirmed the bans, stating many were in error.
- The company has since disabled the automated system.
- Automattic has restored the affected users' accounts.
- The company apologized to everyone affected by the error.