Coalition for Independent Technology Research study identifies why researchers still need CrowdTangle to shed light on severe on- and offline dangers
31 July: A new survey of researchers and journalists reveals that Meta’s planned shutdown of Crowdtangle, set for two weeks from today, will conceal the nefarious acts and actors on Facebook and Instagram from the public. In the middle of the biggest election year ever, the celebrated data access platform is a crucial tool to uphold electoral integrity and the public’s right to know, and the survey from the Coalition for Independent Technology Research found that Meta’s proposed replacement Content Library is not yet a sufficient replacement.
The survey of journalists, academic institutions, researchers and civil society organizations who have used CrowdTangle was conducted in May 2024 and shows that they all still need CrowdTangle for essential work. The study found:
- The consequences are far-reaching: 88% of researchers surveyed expressed concern that CrowdTangle’s shutdown will hinder their work, as projects have to be revised or scrapped, with some considering stopping their work entirely.
- The replacement is insufficient: Neither Meta’s proposed substitute Content Library nor other available tools offer the same functionalities as CrowdTangle, especially the ability to track and download all posts and engagement from any public figure, its comprehensive download capabilities, its ease of use and the timeliness of data accessibility.
- Access is extremely limited, especially for journalists: According to media reports, only a small percentage of CrowdTangle’s tens of thousands of users have been granted Content Library access, while many remain stuck in the process or have not bothered to apply at all, anticipating they will not be allowed due to tighter restrictions on users. Currently, for-profit newsrooms are categorically banned from the Content Library.
Brandi Geurkink, executive director of the Coalition for Independent Technology Research, said: “The proliferation of foreign interference, disinformation and hate speech on Facebook and Instagram has been exposed by journalists and researchers who are now being slowed down and shut out by Meta’s decision to kill CrowdTangle. Independent researchers have unequivocally said they need CrowdTangle for essential work this year, and that the Meta Content Library is not yet a satisfactory replacement. Meta’s shutdown of the tool in two weeks would be an irresponsible move that will undermine public awareness, safety and democracy during a critical election period.”
Since Facebook purchased the platform in 2016, CrowdTangle became a leading example of real-time platform transparency across the social media industry. The tool brought to light numerous online dangers, from identifying sources of disinformation in Global Majority countries; to Facebook’s use in the organization of the January 6 U.S. capital storming; and the dissemination of false narratives about COVID-19.
On July 24, a bipartisan group of U.S. members of Congress called on Meta to keep the platform open for at least six more months, and on April 30, the European Commission opened formal proceedings into Meta’s compliance with the Digital Services Act, in part due to its anticipated shutdown of CrowdTangle. More than 50,000 people, including researchers, journalists and civil society organizations have added their names to letters and petitions organized by the Mozilla Foundation and the Center for American Progress and the Institute for Strategic Dialogue calling for Meta to keep CrowdTangle open.
Read full report here