“Error in Progress: How Instagram’s ‘Mistake’ Punished the Visibility of Young Voices”

Instagram Blocks Teen Users from Viewing LGBTQ+ Terms, Accidentally Restricts Content

In a recent incident, Instagram, a popular social media platform, blocked teen users from viewing content related to the LGBTQ+ community, including hashtags such as #lesbian, #bisexual, #gay, #trans, #queer, #nonbinary, #Tgirlsarebeautiful, and #lesbianpride. The restrictions were reported by User Mag, which found that when teen users searched for these hashtags, they were instead shown a blank page with a message directing them to the platform’s sensitive content policy.

According to Meta, the parent company of Instagram, the restrictions were an accident caused by technology that helps limit user exposure to sensitive content mistakenly misclassifying several LGBTQ+ terms, making them temporarily restricted. A Meta spokesperson told Mashable that the search terms and hashtags were mistakenly restricted, and the issue has now been fixed.

“We do not consider LGBTQ+ terms to be sensitive under our policies,” the spokesperson said. “It’s important to us that all communities feel safe and welcome on Meta apps.”

However, LGBTQ youth advocates have criticized Instagram for the search restrictions, saying that it may inadvertently contribute to the isolation and marginalization of LGBTQ users. Leanna Garfield, social media safety program manager at GLAAD, told User Mag that for many LGBTQ people, especially youth, platforms like Instagram are crucial for self-discovery, community building, and accessing supportive information.

Instagram’s new teen accounts limit sensitive content by default, and teens between the ages of 13 and 15 need parental permission to change the setting. This is not the first time that Instagram has faced criticism for its handling of LGBTQ content. Adult LGBTQ creators have claimed that the platform has shadowbanned their content, and the platform has tried to address general concerns regarding “non-recommendable” content, with mixed reviews from affected creators.

Meta has stated that LGBTQ content is not considered sensitive and is eligible for recommendation, provided the content does not violate any other platform policies. However, the recent incident highlights the need for greater awareness and understanding of the impact that platform policies can have on marginalized communities.

FAQ:

Q: What happened to the LGBTQ+ terms on Instagram?
A: Instagram mistakenly restricted several LGBTQ+ terms, including hashtags such as #lesbian, #bisexual, #gay, #trans, #queer, #nonbinary, #Tgirlsarebeautiful, and #lesbianpride.

Q: Why did this happen?
A: The restrictions were caused by technology that helps limit user exposure to sensitive content mistakenly misclassifying several LGBTQ+ terms, making them temporarily restricted.

Q: Has the issue been fixed?
A: Yes, the issue has been fixed, according to Meta.

Q: Does Instagram consider LGBTQ+ content to be sensitive?
A: No, according to Meta, LGBTQ+ content is not considered sensitive under their policies.

Q: What is Instagram’s policy on sensitive content?
A: Instagram’s policy prohibits content that “impedes our ability to foster a safe community,” and includes material that may be “sexually explicit or suggestive.”

Conclusion:

The recent incident highlights the need for greater awareness and understanding of the impact that platform policies can have on marginalized communities. While Instagram has apologized for the mistake and fixed the issue, it is essential that the platform continues to work to ensure that all users feel safe and welcome on the platform.