De-Ranking & Visibility Adjustments Policy

1. Purpose of De-Ranking

De-ranking and visibility adjustments are moderation and integrity tools used when content does not warrant removal but should not be amplified. These mechanisms allow ReelCiety to respond proportionally to risk, context, and policy concerns.

This approach supports free expression while reducing exposure to harmful, misleading, or low-quality material that could negatively impact users or public discourse.

2. What De-Ranking Means

De-ranking refers to the reduction of content distribution across recommendation and discovery surfaces. It may affect:

• Explore and discovery feeds
• Hashtag and topic pages
• Suggested content and accounts
• Search result prominence
• Algorithmic recommendations

De-ranked content typically remains accessible to direct followers or via direct links unless otherwise restricted.

3. Visibility Adjustments vs. Content Removal

Visibility adjustments differ from removal or takedown actions:

• Removal: Content is taken down and unavailable.
• Restriction: Content access is limited by age, region, or feature.
• De-Ranking: Content remains but is not actively promoted.

ReelCiety applies the least restrictive measure necessary to address risk.

4. Common Reasons for De-Ranking

Content or accounts may be de-ranked for reasons including but not limited to:

• Borderline or contextual policy violations
• Sensationalized or misleading information
• Spam-like behavior or engagement farming
• Excessive reposting or low-quality duplication
• Unverified claims during sensitive events
• Content flagged for additional review

5. Safety-Based Visibility Limits

For user protection, ReelCiety may reduce visibility of content involving:

• Self-harm or suicide references
• Graphic violence or disturbing imagery
• Sexualized or adult themes
• Content involving minors
• Public health or crisis misinformation

Such content may also include warning screens or resource prompts.

6. Integrity & Manipulation Signals

Automated systems and human reviewers may apply de-ranking where indicators suggest:

• Artificial engagement or bot amplification
• Coordinated inauthentic behavior
• Mass posting or hashtag flooding
• Misleading metadata or captions
• Repeated attempts to game algorithms

7. Account-Level Visibility Adjustments

In some cases, entire accounts may experience reduced reach if patterns of behavior present ongoing risk. This may include:

• Temporary suppression from discovery feeds
• Reduced recommendation eligibility
• Limits on trending or suggested placement

8. Temporary vs. Persistent De-Ranking

Visibility adjustments may be:

• Temporary: Applied during review, events, or corrective periods.
• Persistent: Applied for repeated or unresolved integrity concerns.

Restoration of full visibility may occur after compliance, corrective action, or time-based decay.

9. Transparency to Users

ReelCiety aims to provide appropriate transparency without enabling abuse. Users may:

• Receive notices for significant visibility limitations
• See reduced engagement without explicit labeling
• Access policy explanations via help resources

10. Appeals & Review

Users may request review of visibility adjustments where applicable. Appeals are assessed by trained moderation teams considering context, behavior history, and policy alignment.

11. Human Oversight

While automated systems assist with detection, ReelCiety incorporates human oversight for:

• High-impact accounts
• Sensitive topics
• Public interest content
• Escalated or disputed cases

12. Regulatory Considerations

De-ranking practices are designed to align with applicable platform transparency, consumer protection, and online safety laws. Adjustments may vary by jurisdiction.

13. Policy Evolution

ReelCiety may refine visibility adjustment practices to address emerging risks, regulatory guidance, or platform misuse trends.

14. Contact

Transparency & Integrity: transparency@reelciety.com
Safety & Moderation: safety@reelciety.com
Legal & Compliance: legal@nexa-group.org