Facebook and Instagram are banning the use of ‘sexual’ emojis, in an attempt to clamp down on sexual solicitation on the platforms.
The egg plant, peach and water droplet emojis will be banned from all posts on both platforms. The new guideline states that the emojis cannot be used to illustrate sexual activity. Nude body parts can no longer be covered with the symbols either.
The two social media giants, however, have received major backlash. According to the Daily Mail, people say that the platforms should be focusing on racism and propaganda rather than ‘taboo’ emojis.
The new rules fall under section 16 of the Community Standards under ‘Sexual Solicitation’. Facebook stipulates that the ban will be imposed when “content facilitates, encourages or coordinates sexual encounters between adults.”
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