Meta is Asked to Create More Inclusive Rules About Nudity Content on Their Social Media

JAKARTA - The independent Meta Supervisory Board has just reversed the company's decision to remove two Instagram posts depicting transgender and non-binary people with bare chests.

They say Meta needs to change policies to make it more inclusive. This case relates to two separate posts, in which one of the images was uploaded by a transgender couple based in the United States (US) in 2021 and 2022.

The upload features a picture of a shirtless couple with covered nipples. In the statement, the couple discusses transgender health care, one of them is planning to have gender-affirming surgery to create flatter chests and both are currently raising funds to pay for the surgery.

However, Meta removed the post for breaking its rules which it claimed was a sexual solicitation. Later, the transgender couple appealed Meta's decision to the company and the Oversight Board, and Meta reinstated the post.

However, the Board of Trustees said the case underscored a major weakness in the current Meta guidelines as they relate to transgender and non-binary users.

Quoted from Engadget, Wednesday, January 18, the Meta policy prohibits images containing female nipples other than in certain circumstances such as breastfeeding and gender confirmation surgery.

“The rule's restrictions and exceptions regarding female nipples are broad and confusing, especially as they apply to transgender and non-binary people,” said the Meta Oversight Council.

"This created confusion for users and moderators and, as Meta has acknowledged, led to content being removed in error."

Now, the Board of Trustees has suggested that Meta update its approach to managing nudity on its platform, establishing clearer criteria for governing Adult Nudity and Sexual Activity policies.

For your information, an Oversight Board, made up of academics, rights experts, and lawyers, was formed by Meta to administer some of the tough content moderation appeals, but can also advise on site policies.