Clubhouse has joined the list of social media firms that have stepped up to protect Afghan users personal data and information
The social audio app has reset tens of thousands of its Afghan users’ bios and photos, and made their accounts more difficult to discover in search.
A spokesperson for Clubhouse said the actions didn’t affect the users’ followers, and all of the changes can be reversed if a user prefers.
A message form @Clubhouse to #Afghanistan’s users. pic.twitter.com/CpS4iz0L1J
— Zaki Daryabi (@ZDaryabi) August 19, 2021
Clubhouse stated that it had consulted with free expression and violent extremism experts to help craft its approach.
As the Taliban have regained control of the country, many people in Afghanistan have tried to delete photos from their social media accounts and phones that could show a connection to the West, or the former Afghan government
Despite bans on many social platforms, the Taliban has been able to push its messaging on social media. US Publication The Washington Post says the group has become ‘sophisticated at social media tactics in an attempt to change its image’.
On Thursday, Facebook confirmed its platform had added security measures for users in Afghanistan, including hiding “friends” lists and adding a tool to quickly lock down accounts.
