Instagram Tightens Rules on Cosmetic Surgery Advertisements

Instagram have announced that they have changed their policy regarding influencer advertisements of cosmetic procedures. Following criticism from mental health charities, instagram have made it easier to report and remove posts that promote cosmetic surgery to those under 18.

This move has been revered by many who feel the promotion of cosmetic surgery to minors promotes an unhealthy and unrealistic body image; leading to feelings on inadequacy. Under the new update, posts advertising cosmetic procedures or diet/detox programmes will be hidden from from those under 18 years of age.

Commenting on these changes, Instagram’s public policy manager Emma Colllins stated: “We want Instagram to be a positive place for everyone that uses it and this policy is part of our ongoing work to reduce the pressure that people can sometimes feel as a result of social media.”

This transition marks a welcomed changed in the advertising of cosmetic procedures on social media, where influencers have previously flouted the strict advertising laws regarding the promotion of surgical procedures.

However, this move does not mean the promotion of such procedures has been banned by Instagram, just the rules surrounding the advertising has been updated to protect the most vulnerable. Considering the procedures in question cannot be legally performed on those under 18, this new policy present no real problem to the industry.

The criticism levied on influencers and cosmetic practices could have been avoided if specialist healthcare marketers had been consulted.

For more information on Instagrams new policy, check out the following articles:

• The Guardian: Instagram tightens rules on diet and cosmetic surgery posts
• The BBC: Instagram clamps down on diet and cosmetic surgery posts
• The Telegraph: Instagram bans ‘miracle’ diet product promotions by celebrities and influencers

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