Instagram Conversations & What We Have Learned

The Union has had a number of communications with Instagram (“IG”) to better understand why certain accounts have been suspended or terminated.  We have also worked with IG to request reactivation of accounts that we believe may have been suspended or terminated in error.  We wanted to report the following:

1. IG has been working with APAG to re-review accounts that  APAG believes have been mistakenly removed. Some such accounts have already been restored. 

2. Performers may list Onlyfans in a header on their account if the link does not and/or does not appear to connect to adult content. What this means is that descriptions or linked material cannot contain sexually explicit language or images (as defined in Facebook’s Community Standards) IG allows users to point to other websites in their bio, including subscription sites, provided the landing page does not contain adult material. IG does not allow users to add links to sites that could be considered pornographic.

3. We have informed IG of our concerns regarding hacked pages and stolen pages.

4. A trademarked name does not mean that IG will provide instant verification.  Trademarking your name is a factor that is considered for verification but it is not the only factor. More information on Instagram’s verification requirements can be found here: https://www.facebook.com/help/instagram/854227311295302

5. Verification is a notability issue.   IG assesses notability based on a user’s presence in news articles from publications with sizable audiences; it does not consider paid or promotional content as sources for review. IG has made clear that there is no right to verification and also has indicated that it has taken down posts by verified accounts that violate its Community Guidelines.

6. IG has an equity team (here is a link for more information:  https://about.instagram.com/blog/announcements/updates-on-our-equity-work ) that is looking at ways of making verification more equitable and transparent.  But the best way for users to address impersonation issues is to use the following forms on Facebook and IG, respectively: Facebook Impersonation Form, IG Impersonation Form.

7. Hashtag brigading- when certain hashtags are used repeatedly in association to something explicit, a temporary hold on that hashtag is placed. This is not permanent.   You should limit such use. 

We will keep you updated as further information is shared.