Instagram announced a new policy on Thursday that would hide all posts promoting certain weight-loss products and cosmetic procedures from users known to be under 18.
The platform has dealt with concern for years regarding how content it hosts about diet, detox, and surgery can affect its users.
While the photo-sharing app will lead the charge in enforcing its new policy, content on Facebook will also be impacted.
Wow that was fast. This Kim Kardashian flat tummy shake post from January is now only accessible if you’re logged into Instagram and listed as over-18. pic.twitter.com/67rEv4uqpJ
— Ryan Broderick (@broderick) September 18, 2019
Under its new rules, any content that claims to be a cure-all or a “miraculous” fix and that also links to something like a discount code will now be removed. Users will be able to report a post within the app if they think it goes against the new policy.
Instagram’s public policy manager Emma Collins said the new policy is part of ongoing work at Instagram to “reduce the pressure that people can sometimes feel as a result of social media.”
“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,” she said.
Actress Jameela Jamil, who has previously campaigned for body positivity and against the rise of “weight loss” products found on social media, called the policy change “huge news.”
https://twitter.com/jameelajamil/status/1174504260437889024
Earlier in the day, Jamil said “greedy influencers who push toxic products will have to find another way to scam the innocent people who follow them.” It’s just another example of these gigantic platforms crumbling to public pressure when there’s enough people yelling. Here’s to that. ????????????
https://twitter.com/jameelajamil/status/1174330077825232896
