Instagram gets strict on spam, nude photos, posting other users’ content

Instagram has released new community guidelines. The platform wants its users to follow the law, post only their own photos, videos, respect everyone on Instagram and don’t spam people or post nudity. Arriving at the new community guidelines, the company says it considered its diverse community, all its different cultures, ages, beliefs, and tried to guidelines that suit all parties.

The issue with guidelines, across platforms, is not their existence or lack thereof but rather their ambiguity and enforcement. The Instagram guidelines are quite clear but enforcing them will fairly across all users will be the real challenge for them.

“We’re committed to these guidelines and we hope you are too. Overstepping these boundaries may result in a disabled account.” Reads a statement by Instagram.

The guidelines are clear that nude photos, unless they are artistic in nature, or are nudity in photos of paintings and sculptures, will be banned including those of partially nude children if Instagram decides so. Banning the partially nude children photos is because, Instagram explains, though the photos are innocent “they could be used by others in unanticipated ways.”

The platform further states that “We don’t allow nudity on Instagram. This includes photos, videos, and some digitally created content that show sexual intercourse, genitals, and close-ups of fully-nude buttocks. It also includes some photos of female nipples.

Following a few incidents on Facebook where users were banned for posting photos of their post-mastectomy scarring, Instagram makes it clear that “Photos of post-mastectomy scarring and women actively breastfeeding are allowed.”

Instagram also emphasises that “We have zero tolerance when it comes to sharing sexual content involving minors or threatening to post intimate images of others.”

Read more: Instagram has over 300 million users, adds verification badge

The new guidelines also include.

Share only photos and videos that you’ve taken or have the right to share.

As always, you own the content you post on Instagram. Remember to post authentic content, and don’t post anything you’ve copied or collected from the Internet that you don’t have the right to post.

Follow the law.

Instagram is not a place to support or praise terrorism, organized crime, or hate groups. Offering sexual services, buying or selling illegal or prescription drugs (even if it’s legal in your region), as well as promoting recreational drug use is also not allowed. Remember to always follow the law when offering to sell or buy regulated goods, including firearms, alcohol, and tobacco.

Be thoughtful when posting newsworthy events.

We understand that many people use Instagram to share important and newsworthy events. Some of these issues can involve graphic images. Because so many different people and age groups use Instagram, we may remove videos of intense, graphic violence to make sure Instagram stays appropriate for everyone.We understand that people often share this kind of content to condemn or raise awareness. If you do share content for these reasons, we encourage you to caption your photo with a warning about graphic violence. Sharing graphic images for sadistic pleasure or to glorify violence is never allowed.

Though Instagram has drafted new guidelines, it also appeals to its users to respect one another, and if necessary resolve issues between themselves without Instagram getting involved.

“If one of your photos or videos was posted by someone else, you could try commenting on the post and asking the person to take it down. If that doesn’t work, you can always file a copyright report so we can investigate. Or, if you believe someone is violating your trademark, you can file a trademark report. Don’t target the person who posted it by posting screenshots and drawing attention to the situation because that may be classified as harassment.”