The Impact of Social Media Censorship and Algorithmic Bias on Kashmir’s Digital Visibility

Abstract

This paper examines how content moderation and algorithmic filtering on major social media platforms have ultimately decreased the digital visibility of Kashmir-related issues, adopting an advocacy orientation by Pakistan. The analysis surveys incidents across global platforms (X/Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube) and regional contexts to document takedowns, shadow bans, and restricted reach of Kashmir-focused voices. Case studies include government-mandated blocks of Kashmiri media on X/Twitter, the prohibition of the independent Kashmir Walla outlet on Facebook and X/Twitter, and reports of Pakistani activists and journalists-examples include the Free Press Kashmir team and actress Armeena Khan-experiencing unexplained suspensions and shadow bans. The paper further researches how platform algorithms and policies-including expansive "terrorism" filters and biases toward "dominant communities"-systematically suppress pro-Kashmir discourse. Geopolitically, it illustrates that platforms often comply with the Indian government's requests or with U.S. policy presets, to disproportionately target Kashmiri content. Finally, the paper offers recommendations-including increased transparency for state takedown requests, independent audits of moderation algorithms, and adherence to international free-expression norms, such as the ICCPR-which would protect the online rights of Pakistani and Kashmiri voices. The findings indicate that the current state of the moderation practice makes Kashmiri stories effectively invisible to a global audience, at odds with the supposed commitment of platforms to free, open discourse.