Instagram Changes Breast Holding Policy After Black, Plus-size Model’s #IWantToSeeNyome Campaign

Instagram shared that it has modified the rules on breast holding policy after a black model started a #IWantToSeeNyome campaign. The model continued the campaign for three months because Instagram censored her half-nude images. The name of the model is Nyome Nicholas-Williams and she is a popular plus-size model based from UK. After she posted her images Instagram took down her photos citing that it was nude.

However, she saw many thin white models posting nude photos and she told that Instagram did not censor it. She made an accusation that because of her being fat and black Instagram did not allow her to post her photos. The model felt shocked by the prejudice and she felt that she was being deliberately silenced by Instagram.

After that, the model started #IWantToSeeNyome campaign on Instagram. On Monday Instagram released information that their policy on “breast squeezing” was unsuitably applied on Nyome Nicholas-Williams photos. They shared that after hearing her feedback they were able to understand the policy and make some changes to it.

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I am aware images of black plus sized bodies are still being taken down, I see the tags in comments and in my DM’s too. We are still working, these things just take time! Please remember that I’ll never stop fighting for what is right and this campaign is far from over! Until black plus sized bodies stop being censored there is always work to do. #Iwanttoseenyome @ginamartin @instagram @instagramforbusiness ? @alex_cameron

A post shared by Nyome Nicholas – Williams (@curvynyome) on Oct 1, 2020 at 12:04am PDT

With Instagram’s new update the users can post photos such as hugging, cupping or holding their breasts. They have asked the reviewers to let these contents stay up. But the company wants to draw a line. If the breast holding and cupping are very improper then Instagram will certainly censor it. The representative from Instagram revealed that this rule will apply in both Instagram and Facebook.

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Nyome Nicholas-Williams shared that she is happy with the new policy. She thinks that it is a huge step. The model now feels that she has got the respect as her views got heard. Now she feels free to use the spaces like Instagram to showcase her creativity and individuality.  She is not worried about getting censored. Moreover, she also added that Instagram needs to do more. She feels that plus-size models are targeted more than the thin models. When a black woman makes campaigns white women come forward and make it their own. So they get all the attention and the real cause of the campaign gets lost.

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?Today is the day Instagram and Facebook changes their policy to ensure all body types- namely black plus sized bodies- are treated fairly on the platforms. As of today, Wednesday 28th October 2020, Instagram and Facebook will "allow content where someone is simply hugging, cupping or holding their breasts". To protect the younger users from potential pornographic content if a picture shows "breast squeezing in a grabbing motion or there is a clear change in the shape of the breasts", that content will be in breach of the rules. This policy change should allow them to better differentiate self expression/ art from pornographic content. The policy change is effective from today and will begin to be enforced from today however the external wording in the policy will be available to read from the 2nd November (I will pop the link in my bio so you can all have a read of it once live). Gina, Alex, and I are creating a typeform where you can upload info on any of your content that has been removed. This is in the interest of helping instagram ensure this policy is upheld and is as successful as it can be. The link will be available tomorrow to use in my bio (we are hoping it won’t be needed though). This is only the beginning, there is still much work to be done. Instagram and Facebook are taking steps in the right direction to ensure the plus sized community is protected, Instagram have said "In addition to this policy change, earlier this year we committed to broader equity work to help ensure we better support the Black community on our platform. This work is going to take some time, but we’re going to continue to provide updates. Our goal is that this work will get us closer to making sure Instagram is a place where everyone feels safe, supported, and free to express themselves", I will continue to hold Instagram to account to ensure this happens.. This is a huge victory for the black plus sized community and a great early birthday present! Thank you to every single one of you who reposted, or used the iwanttoseenyome hashtag; you helped amplify our voices and pushed our campaign forward.

A post shared by Nyome Nicholas – Williams (@curvynyome) on Oct 28, 2020 at 6:44am PDT

The model stated that there is a huge racial imbalance in social media. She thinks that white bodies are getting lots of promotion however black bodies need to do a lot of justification to get the recognition they deserve.

In July Instagram created an internal team to check for any racial bias in the platform. This is because they received complaints from groups who do not get enough recognition for their hard work. They shared that they got unfairly treated because of the moderation policies. So Instagram may come up with many changes in the future to create an equal environment for all in its platform.

Conclusion

Instagram has appreciated the opinions of the model who got unfair treatment. Because of her campaign, many people came to know how prejudice happens even inadvertently. That is why many people are speaking out on Instagram to have their voice heard. This step has led to many possibilities of changes in the future.

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