Monday, September 23, 2019
By
Web Desk

Instagram tightens restrictions on posts of diet products, cosmetic surgery

By
Web Desk
|

Facebook-owned app Instagram has proclaimed that tighter restrictions are to be inflicted on some posts related to diet products and cosmetic surgery.

The social media platform said that soon on both Instagram and Facebook, age restrictions would be applied to such posts while others would be removed.

Concerns have been raised about the impact that diet, detox, and cosmetic surgery content can have on young people, their mental health and body image.

The picture-sharing app said that under its new rules, posts that promote the use of certain weight-loss products or cosmetic procedures, which have an incentive to buy or include a price, will be hidden from users known to be under 18.

The platform, further mentioned that under its new rules, posts that promote the use of certain weight-loss products or cosmetic procedures, which have an incentive to buy or include a price, will be hidden from users known to be under 18.

Also, the Instagram said any content that made a “miraculous” claim about a diet or weight product and was linked to a commercial offer such as a discount code, would now be removed from Instagram.

Actor and body positivity campaigner Jameela Jamil, who has repeatedly criticized high-profile online figures including Khloé Kardashian for posting on social media about diet products, said the update was a victory for mental health advocates.

“This is a huge win for our ongoing fight against the diet/detox industry,” she said. “Facebook and Instagram taking a stand to protect the physical and mental health of people online sends an important message out to the world.”

“Instagram was supportive and helpful when I brought them my protests and petitions; they listened, they cared, they moved so efficiently, and communicated with us throughout the process.” She added.