Lebanese newspaper Al Joumhouria has launched the ‘Uncensored Press: Breaching the Algorithm’ campaign in collaboration with TBWA\Raad, aimed at exposing the suppression of war and survival stories in the Middle East by automated social media algorithms. These algorithms, originally designed to protect users, are now flagging essential conflict-related images as ‘sensitive’ or ‘violating guidelines,’ preventing journalists from sharing crucial war coverage.
Through this campaign, Al Joumhouria partnered with artist Keira Rathbone, who recreated war scenes using typewriter art, relying on letters and symbols to convey the emotional impact of the images while bypassing automated censorship filters. The initiative underscores the power of words in journalism, allowing important stories to continue being shared despite the challenges posed by algorithmic censorship.
The campaign began in mid-January on Al Joumhouria’s social media platforms, supported by articles and display ads on the newspaper’s digital outlets. A subsequent print campaign in Lebanon’s national newspapers included a petition urging social media platforms to address algorithmic biases and support the free flow of information.
The campaign has gained significant traction, with nearly 500,000 impressions and global signatures on the petition. It has sparked conversations about the ethical implications of algorithmic censorship and highlighted the resilience of the press. Fellow journalists and media outlets have also shown solidarity by sharing and supporting the initiative, demonstrating the collective effort to ensure truth is heard despite digital barriers.
By shining a light on the role of algorithms in silencing critical voices, the campaign advocates for press freedom and urges a reevaluation of how social media platforms moderate content. The ‘Uncensored Press’ project illustrates that censorship can be circumvented, enabling journalists and activists to continue documenting human rights violations without interference.