To the CEOs and Leadership Teams of All Social Media Platforms,

We, the undersigned, are users, creators, and advocates of social media who believe in the power of these platforms to connect, inspire, and inform. However, we are increasingly concerned about the lack of transparency regarding the nature of content shared online. Specifically, we urge all social media companies to implement a policy requiring content creators to declare whether their posts, videos, or other media are:

• Genuine and Spontaneous: Content that captures real, unscripted spontaneous moments.
• Staged or Setup: Content that is an act, staged, scripted, or performed for entertainment or engagement purposes.

Why This Matters:

• Trust and Authenticity: Social media thrives on trust. When users cannot distinguish between genuine moments and staged acts, it erodes trust in the platform and its creators.
• Informed Consumption: Audiences deserve to know the context of what they are viewing. Transparency allows users to engage with content more critically and responsibly.
• Ethical Responsibility: Many creators influence millions, especially younger audiences. Clear labelling ensures that viewers understand the intent behind the content they consume
• Combating Misinformation: Staged content presented as real can contribute to the spread of misinformation, particularly when it involves sensitive topics or current events.

Our Request:

We call on all social media companies to:

• Introduce a Mandatory Disclosure System: Require creators to select a label (e.g., "Genuine," "Staged/Act," or "Sponsored") when uploading content.
• Enforce Transparency: Implement clear guidelines and consequences for non-compliance to ensure creators adhere to these standards.
• Educate Users: Provide clear explanations of these labels to help users understand their meaning and significance.
• Promote Ethical Content Creation: Encourage creators to embrace transparency as a core value, fostering a healthier and more trustworthy online ecosystem.

The Time to Act is Now:

Social media platforms have a unique opportunity to lead the way in promoting transparency and accountability. By taking this step, you can set a new standard for ethical content creation and consumption, ensuring that your platforms remain spaces of trust, creativity, and connection.

We, the undersigned, urge you to prioritize this issue and take immediate action. Together, we can create a more transparent and responsible digital world.

Please share this petition widely to amplify our collective voice. Together, we can make a difference.

*This petition can be adapted for specific platforms or expanded with additional details. Let me know if you'd like further refinements!*