Technology
Tumblr Automated Bans Impacted Trans Users, System Now Disabled
Tumblr's automated moderation system incorrectly banned numerous users on Wednesday, including many trans women, prompting widespread concern. Automattic, Tumblr's parent company, has since disabled the system and restored affected accounts, apologizing for the error.
On Wednesday, a wave of bans by an automated system on Tumblr caused alarm among users. Numerous users contacted The Verge, reporting that the bans disproportionately affected accounts run by trans women. The email notifications received by banned users stated the action resulted from an internally-generated report, possibly using automated means to identify content. Chenda Ngak, head of communications at Automattic, Tumblr's parent company, confirmed the bans to The Verge, noting many were in error and had been reversed. According to Ngak, Automattic is continuously working to maintain platform health and adapt its systems to prevent bad actors from spreading harm. The automated system incorrectly flagged several users, including members of the trans community, Ngak stated. Automattic has since disabled the system and restored the affected users, issuing a sincere apology to everyone impacted by the error.
Key Facts
- Tumblr's automated system incorrectly banned numerous accounts on Wednesday.
- Many affected users identified as trans women.
- Automattic, Tumblr's parent company, confirmed the erroneous bans.
- The automated system has been disabled.
- Affected users have had their accounts restored.
- Automattic apologized for the error.
- The bans resulted from an internally-generated report, possibly using automated means.