Beyond Removal: Visibility Reduction in Content Moderation

Social-media platforms often limit the visibility of problematic content and accounts instead of removing them entirely. While visibility reduction seeks to balance free speech and safety concerns, it has fueled criticism over platform power, potential bias, and shadow banning. This article defines visibility reduction, categorizes it into four main types and examines its application using data from the newly established Digital Services Act’s Transparency Database. The analysis highlights tha