Right now, powerful tech companies are deciding for us what shows up in our feeds. Their algorithms don’t show us the best of each other, they feed us the worst. Hate, lies, and harmful content are being pushed on us, especially on our children. Even if we try to follow trusted sources, the algorithm sneaks in conspiracy and extremism, because it makes us outraged and more likely to stay online for longer. 

Together, we can put people back in charge. 

Feeds should be made up of posts from the people, organisations and topics we choose to follow, not whatever an algorithm decides will keep us scrolling. By switching off toxic recommender algorithms by default, we will return to a healthier, safer online space where our communities connect and share on our own terms.

Uplift, the Hope and Courage Collective and the Irish Council for Civil Liberties are running a campaign targeting Cork man Michael McGrath, the European Commissioner responsible for democracy, justice, the rule of law and consumer protection. 

We are asking him to use the EU Democracy Shield that is currently in development to turn off social media recommender algorithms by default – to give people in Ireland and Europe control over what they see and share online.

Postcard to Michael McGrath: