CALIFORNIA: Instagram has removed the ability for users to add cosmetic surgery filters to their photos, citing body image and mental health concerns.
Instagram’s filters mimic surgeries like facelifts and Botox injections. These filters include ones that make your lips bigger, change the shape of your face or make your wrinkles or fine lines disappear.
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A spokesperson for Facebook said that re-evaluating its policies because it wanted it’s Augmented Reality effects to be a positive experience for people.
The company’s decision to remove the filters comes amid a growing body of research suggesting links between viewing unrealistic beauty standards online and harmful consequences in real life.
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A spokesperson for Instagram said, “We’re re-evaluating our policies, we want our filters to be a positive experience for people.”
A spokesperson said, “While we’re reevaluating our policies, we will remove all effects from the gallery associated with plastic surgery, stop further approval of new effects like this and remove current effects if they’re reported to us.”
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Instagram rolled out an update to the app in August hat allowed users to create their own virtual effects that can be superimposed on images and videos.
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Some of the cosmetic filters submitted included Beautiful Face, Perfect Skin, and HolyBucks which, when applied, covers the user’s face with dollar signs and increases their lip size.
While most of these filters have already been removed, some, like Bad Botox, remain active on the platform.
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Instagram is a social media application that allows users to share photos and videos from their lives, add captions, edit filters, tweak settings, engage with others and explore.
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