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Meta will be discontinuing CrowdTangle in August, a platform widely used by researchers to analyze Facebook and Instagram data. The platform will be replaced by a new tool called Meta Content Library, though it may have fewer users compared to CrowdTangle.
According to the company's FAQ, CrowdTangle will no longer be accessible after August 14. The user interface, API, and Chrome extension will cease to function. New users are already unable to join CrowdTangle, as the platform is now in "maintenance mode."
CrowdTangle was acquired by Meta in 2016 and has been a popular tool for researchers and journalists looking at message dissemination on Facebook and Instagram. It was commonly used by research institutions and editors to track the spread of misinformation and conspiracy theories. While other third-party tools exist, they are often more limited and face API access restrictions. CrowdTangle stood out as it was directly owned by Meta, allowing for extensive data collection across platforms.
Meta now directs users to the Meta Content Library and its associated API. However, access to these tools is limited to accredited researchers affiliated with nonprofit organizations, excluding newsrooms and independent fact-checkers who previously relied on CrowdTangle. Some journalistic organizations are concerned that this change will limit their insights into Facebook and Instagram. CrowdTangle was instrumental in helping publications like The Wall Street Journal uncover issues like child abuse networks on Instagram.
English (US)