Instagram bans ‘fictional depictions’ of self-harm and suicide

Instagram on Sunday announced that it will take further steps to prevent content featuring self-harm from appearing on the platform.

“We will no longer allow fictional depictions of self-harm or suicide on Instagram, such as drawings or memes or content from films or comics that use graphic imagery,” the company said on its blog.

Instagram banned “graphic” self-harm content earlier this year, it will now remove all images featuring the act, even if they are not real.

“We will also remove other imagery that may not show self-harm or suicide, but does include associated materials or methods,” the company added.

Furthermore, Instagram won’t recommend accounts that share self-harm material in public spaces on the platform to reduce the chances of users discovering the content.

The company also noted that it will continue to update its policies to create inclusivity on the platform, particularly for self-harm survivors to share their stories and support one another.

Feature image: Memeburn