Instagram has revealed a new policy that will see them hiding posts promoting weight loss products and cosmetic surgery from users under 18. The app will also be removing all posts promoting “miraculous” weight loss products.
“We want Instagram to be a positive place for everyone that uses it and this policy is part of our ongoing work to reduce the pressure that people can sometimes feel as a result of social media,” shares Instagram public policy manager Emma Collins.
“We’ve sought guidance from external experts, including Dr Ysabel Gerrard in the UK, to make sure any steps to restrict and remove this content will have a positive impact on our community of over 1 billion people around the world – whilst ensuring Instagram remains a platform for expression and discussion.”
Under the new policy, any posts found to be promoting “get thin quick” promotions, that offer a link or a discount code will be deleted. Users will have the option of reporting a post if they believe it goes against the new policy.
The new policy follows tireless petitioning from body positivity crusader Jameela Jamil and her “iWeigh” movement. Jamil has heralded Instagram’s decision “a major step in the fight with the dirty side of the diet/detox industry.”
“After a bunch of shouting, screaming, and petitioning… we have managed to get the attention of the people at the top, and they have heard us and want to protect us,” she wrote in an Instagram post. “And this is just the beginning of our efforts.”
“I’ve been working with Instagram all year towards this, who were amazing to deal with, and they expressed that they passionately care about creating a safer space for us all online.”
https://twitter.com/jameelajamil/status/1174330077825232896?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1174330077825232896&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pedestrian.tv%2Fnews%2Finstagram-will-hide-posts-from-teens-that-promote-weight-loss-products-cosmetic-surgery%2F
Hopefully one day we will see a blissful utopia where teenage girls don’t have to run out halfway through their cinema session of Saving Mr. Banks because they’ve consumed a litre of ballerina tea and are on the verge of violently shitting over everything they hold dear.
