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.
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.
Also read: Do You Want To Be A Popular Instagram Celebrity? Here are A Few Insights
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.
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.
