Facebook And Instagram Have Banned The Use Of Certain Emojis For Being Sexually Suggestive
A violation of the terms can get a user's account flagged or removed.
By May Vin Ang — 01 Nov 2019, 06:47 PM
Facebook and Instagram have banned the sexual usage of three particular emojis
According to Malay Mail, the "sexually suggestive" emojis, which are widely known to represent a penis (eggplant), buttocks (peach), and ejaculation (water drip), will still be allowed in captions, but can no longer be used in a manner that suggests or asks for anything sexual in nature.
A violation of the terms can get a user's account flagged or removed, reported adult industry news site XBIZ.
In July, Facebook, who owns Instagram, quietly updated the Community Standards language regarding permissible sexual expression on the social media platforms
According to New York Post, the updated policy is explained under the 'Sexual Solicitation' section in the Facebook guidelines.
The Facebook rationale is, "People use Facebook to discuss and draw attention to sexual violence and exploitation. We recognise the importance of and want to allow for this discussion."
However, the social networking platform said that they "draw the line when content facilitates, encourages, or coordinates sexual encounters between adults".
As a reminder, an Instagram spokesperson told the New York Post, that they "aren't taking action on simply the emojis"
"[Content] will only be removed from Facebook and Instagram if it contains a sexual emoji alongside an implicit or indirect ask for nude imagery, sex or sexual partners, or sex chat conversations."
The announcement has since become a talking point on Twitterjaya
"How will my grandfather advertise his produce? He's a farmer," this user jokingly wondered.
Another user was curious to know if Facebook will ban sexually suggestive text too.
While this user reckons the ban of the eggplant and peach emojis is great news for the use of other lessen known emojis.
