In recent weeks, Meta (Facebook / Instagram) has removed the accounts of several UK organisations involved in psychedelic research, policy, and harm reduction. Additionally, they have banned or suspended the personal accounts of individuals working in this field.
Affected organisations include PsyAware, Breaking Convention, Psilocybin Access Rights (PAR), The Psychedelic Society, and the documentary film page for The Psychedelic Chronicles, amongst others. Numerous individuals linked to these associations have also had their pages removed.
A particularly challenging aspect is the lack of an appeal process. In many cases, organisations and individuals are either denied the right to appeal or have their appeals decided instantly by artificial intelligence. It is evident that these decisions are made by algorithms and AI, rather than by humans who understand the nuances and societal importance of harm reduction and drug policy debates.
Fortunately, due to connections we have at Meta, we have been able to have many of the accounts re-instated. However, it is still problematic, in that organisations have lost their accounts for days / weeks, but furthermore, the system should be equitable for all, and not rely on connections to people working in the company.
In response, we have convened a panel to discuss how such social media actions harm psychedelic science, research, and harm reduction. Additionally, we will explore steps the community can take to protect ourselves against this type of censorship.
Join us for an evening panel discussion, where we will address the problems this has caused and collectively focus on solutions to ensure that psychedelic research and harm reduction are safeguarded against algorithms and artificial intelligence.
Featuring on this panel are:
Adam Waugh (PsyAware)
Steve Rolles (Transform Drug Policy Foundation)
Aimee Tollan (Breaking Convention)
Rosalind Watts (ACER Integration)
The panel, hosted by Anya Oleksiuk, will last 90 minutes and include time for audience questions.
Tickets are free, but we encourage donations and the funds raised will be ring-fenced for future educational talks and panels about harm reduction, drug policy and safeguarding the psychedelic community.
We have written an Open Letter to Meta, which we would encourage you to sign and share within your networks. PLEASE SIGN HERE