Instagram announced a new policy in which they would restrict, and in some cases remove, content that promotes weight loss products or cosmetic procedures.
Users who are under 18 will now be blocked from seeing posts promoting the use of certain weight-loss products or cosmetic procedures and those that have an incentive to buy or includes a price.
Instagram’s public policy manager, Emma Collins said in a statement changes were made after the impact of influencers promoting diet teas, supplements and certain cosmetic surgery.
Collins said: “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.”
While the change is being led on Instagram, the policy will also be in place on Facebook. The company is planning to a new tool in the coming weeks that will allow users to report a post within the app if they believe it violates this policy. The content reviewers of the app will review the post before taking appropriate action.
Actress Jameela Jamil said she has been working with Instagram all year toward this change. She took to Instagram to express her views on the new policy.
She wrote: ”THIS IS HUGE NEWS. @i_weigh are changing the world together. 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. And this is just the beginning of our efforts.”
”As of now, if you’re under 18, you will no longer be exposed to any diet/detox products, and for all other ages; all fad products that have bogus, unrealistic claims will be taken down and easy to report. 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.”
”This happened so much faster than I expected and I’m so proud and happy and relieved. WELL DONE to the many people who have been working towards this huge change. This is a mass effort. This is an extraordinary win that is going to make a big difference. Influencers have to be more responsible.”
Jameela has been a loud advocate for these regulations for years. In 2018, she started the “I Weigh” campaign on Instagram, which promotes body positivity.
[rumble video_id=v3lvmt domain_id=u7nb2]