Instagram blocks #curvy hashtag. Users fight back
In the latest in a string of controversial policies, Instagram has upset users by banning the body-positive hashtag #curvy.
The hashtag has disappeared from the social media site, with a search returning only #CurvyGirl, #CurvyFashion and #CurvyWomen.
Angry users have resorted to using the hashtag #curvee as an alternative, and have already racked up over 3,000 posts.
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A representative from Instagram was quick to point out that the removal of #curvy was nothing to do with the hashtag itself, but that the tag was being used to upload pornographic images in violation of Instagram’s nudity guidelines.
Yet users still cried foul, particularly as #fat, #skinny and #thinspiration were still available to use, despite potentially promoting unhealthy body image.
why has Instagram wiped the curvy hashtag clean but you can still access #skinny and #thinspiration?
— Rachel Whitehurst (@RachLWhitehurst) July 15, 2015
Phew, since Instagram banned the hashtag #curvy, there are no more fat people in the world. Congrats, Instagram. — Sofie Hagen (@SofieHagen) July 15, 2015
Redefining #curvy on Instagram after it was banned. Keeping it #Curvee and #Classy Top and trousers… https://t.co/ZQm1kIEVuS
— ucantwearthat (@ucantwearthat) July 15, 2015
The importance of positive body image has enjoyed a lot of attention in the media lately, with #CurvyYoga taking off as an alternative to the skinny-girl yoga cliche, while plus size model Tess Holliday made headlines with her campaign, #EffYourBeautyStandards.
Perhaps the most high profile protest against Instagram has been #FreeTheNipple, initiated in protest against the site’s banning of female nipples but not male’s.
Celebrities Madonna and Rihanna have their accounts temporarily removed for sharing photos of their bare breasts.
@sarahhhrae #curvesfordays #ootd #fashion #fashionista #curvynstyle #outfitoftheday #plussizefashion #plussizeislife #follow #curvybabeoutfits #curvybabe #curvywomen #fashionpage #beautiful #plussizeootd #plussizewomendoitbetter #fashiontrend #ootdpage #proud #plussize A photo posted by Plus Size OOTD (@style.your.curves) on
A photo posted by @stylefiles_plus on
A photo posted by Joyce Warren (@joycewarrenvasc) on