Instagram has specific guidelines for what users can and cannot post on the platform. Violating these guidelines can result in your account being suspended or even permanently deleted.
Here are some things that are illegal to post on Instagram:
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Nudity or Pornography: Instagram does not allow any kind of nudity or pornography on its platform. This includes images, videos, or even digitally-created content that depicts sexual acts or explicit content. Posting such content can lead to the immediate suspension of your account.
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Hate Speech: Instagram does not tolerate any form of hate speech, which includes promoting violence, discrimination, or making derogatory comments about an individual or group based on their race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, or any other characteristic. Posting hate speech can lead to the suspension of your account.
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Illegal Activities: Instagram does not allow users to post content that promotes or glorifies illegal activities such as drug use, underage drinking, or any other criminal activity. Posting such content can result in the suspension of your account and could even lead to legal action.
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Copyright Infringement: Instagram takes copyright infringement very seriously. You cannot post content that belongs to someone else without their permission. This includes images, videos, and even music. If you post copyrighted content, your account may be suspended or even permanently deleted.
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Spam: Instagram does not tolerate spamming, which includes repeatedly posting the same content, promoting products or services in a dishonest or misleading way, or using fake accounts to generate engagement. Spamming can lead to the suspension of your account.
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Misinformation: Instagram has a policy against the spread of misinformation. This includes false information about health, politics, or any other subject. Posting misinformation can lead to the suspension of your account.
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Personal Information: Instagram does not allow users to post personal information about others without their consent. This includes phone numbers, email addresses, home addresses, and any other identifying information. Posting personal information can lead to the suspension of your account.
As a social media manager, it is important to be aware of these guidelines and ensure that any content you post on behalf of your brand is in compliance with them. Failure to do so can result in negative consequences for your brand and your clients. Always make sure to review Instagram’s guidelines periodically to ensure that you are staying up-to-date with any changes.
What are the sanctions for posting illegal content?
If you post illegal content on Instagram, there are a variety of sanctions that the platform may impose. The specific sanctions depend on the severity of the violation and whether it is a first-time or repeat offense. Here are some of the possible sanctions:
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Warning: For minor violations, Instagram may issue a warning to the user, which informs them that their content has violated the platform’s community guidelines. The warning typically includes a reminder of the specific rule that was violated and a request to remove the offending content.
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Removal of Content: If the violation is more serious, Instagram may remove the offending content from the platform. This can include posts, stories, or comments. If the violation is a repeat offense, Instagram may also remove the entire account.
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Suspension: In some cases, Instagram may suspend the user’s account for a period of time. During this time, the user is unable to post, comment, or engage with content on the platform. The length of the suspension can vary depending on the severity of the violation.
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Permanent Deletion: For the most serious violations, Instagram may permanently delete the user’s account. This typically happens if the user has repeatedly violated the platform’s community guidelines or has engaged in illegal activities.
In addition to these sanctions from Instagram, posting illegal content can also lead to legal consequences. Depending on the nature of the violation, the user may be subject to fines, legal action, or even imprisonment.
As a social media manager, it is important to educate yourself and your clients on Instagram’s community guidelines to avoid any sanctions or legal issues that may arise from posting illegal content. Always ensure that the content you post is in compliance with the guidelines and legal requirements.
What are some well-known cases of content policy violations on Instagram?
There have been several well-known cases of Instagram’s content moderation in action over the years. Here are a few examples:
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Banning Alex Jones: In 2018, Instagram, along with other social media platforms, banned Alex Jones, a controversial figure known for spreading conspiracy theories and hate speech. Jones had previously been banned from Twitter and YouTube, and Instagram’s ban was seen as a continuation of this trend.
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Removing Nude Art: In 2019, Instagram came under fire for removing several posts by artists that featured nude or partially nude models. Many artists argued that the posts were a form of art and should not be censored. Instagram later reversed its decision and allowed the posts to remain on the platform.
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Removing Black Lives Matter Hashtags: In 2020, Instagram came under fire for allegedly removing posts and blocking hashtags related to the Black Lives Matter movement. Many users claimed that their posts were being censored, while others argued that the platform was not doing enough to support the movement. Instagram denied any deliberate censorship and said that the issues were due to technical glitches.
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Banning Donald Trump: In 2021, Instagram, along with other social media platforms, banned former US President Donald Trump from the platform. The ban came in response to the Capitol Hill riot and Trump’s role in inciting the violence. Trump’s ban sparked a debate about free speech and the power of social media platforms to regulate content.
These cases demonstrate the power that Instagram and other social media platforms have over the content that users post. While Instagram’s content moderation policies are designed to maintain a safe and respectful environment, they can also be controversial and lead to accusations of censorship. As a social media manager, it is important to stay up-to-date on Instagram’s policies and to ensure that the content you post is in compliance with those policies.