The Markup
Data-driven investigations into technology platforms' data practices, algorithms, surveillance, dark patterns, and societal impacts. How platforms (Google, Meta, etc.) collect/share data and shape user experiences/outcomes.
- Type
- Nonprofit Investigative Journalism & Research Newsroom
- Based in
- New York, NY (US)
- Focus region
- US (national tech investigations) with global relevance
Notable projects
Investigations into data brokers and platforms; dark patterns in privacy controls; algorithmic impacts on housing, employment, etc.; surveillance advertising ecosystems; tools for public to understand platform data practices.
Data journalism powerhouse focused exclusively on tech's impact. Uses rigorous methods (data analysis, public records, leaks) to expose platform practices. Recently affiliated with CalMatters but maintains independent tech focus. Actionable, public-good oriented output.
Reports (7)
Full database- Feb 2026· TikTok, X/Twitter
Blacklight update: are TikTok and X tracking you across the internet?
The Markup expanded its Blacklight privacy inspector to detect TikTok and X tracking pixels on third-party websites, revealing how these platforms follow users across the web.
- Oct 2024· Meta
How Meta Brings in Millions Off Political Violence
A joint CalMatters/Markup investigation estimated Meta earns millions in ad revenue in the wake of violent news events, profiting from engagement surges around political violence.
- Mar 2024· Meta
Instagram Creators: Check If Your Posts Are 'Political'
After Meta stopped 'proactively recommending' political content, The Markup built a tool letting creators test whether their posts would be classified as political and thus algorithmically limited.
- Mar 2024· Meta, YouTube, Cross-platform
How Automated Content Moderation Works (Even When It Doesn't)
Explainer documenting the automated techniques (hash-matching, classifiers) platforms use to moderate billions of posts, and where these systems routinely fail.
- Feb 2024· Meta
Demoted, Deleted, and Denied: More Than Just Shadowbanning on Instagram
An investigation found Instagram heavily demoted nongraphic Israel-Hamas war images, deleted captions, hid comments without notification, and suppressed hashtags, well beyond classic 'shadowbanning.'
- Jan 2024· Meta
Each Facebook User is Monitored by Thousands of Companies
A study of 267,000 users found the average Facebook user had activity sent to Facebook by roughly 2,230 different companies, exposing the scale of third-party tracking.
- Nov 2023· Meta
Facebook Watches Teens Online As They Prep for College
A Pixel Hunt investigation found Meta's tracking pixel embedded on school, test-prep and college-application websites, letting Meta monitor students as they browse education sites.