If you post a photo on Instagram in which nipples are visible—and those nipples belong to a woman—there's a good chance it will be taken down. Just ask Rihanna, or Miley Cyrus, or Chelsea Handler, or Naomi Campbell.
But if you post a photo of a man's nipples, you're in the clear. That's led a whole slew of users to cry foul and rally around the #freethenipple hashtag. Some have even Photoshopped images of men's nipples on top of women's breasts to prove their point.
After nearly a year of #freethenipple backlash, Business Insider reports that Instagram CEO Kevin Systrom has finally explained their censorship: Apparently it's all about Apple. In order to keep your app available for Apple smartphones, you have to abide by the company's standards. Unless your app is specifically restricted for adults only, you can't have any nudity, and Systrom wants to keep the app available to everyone. (Apple declined to comment to Business Insider.)
Instagram is "committed to artistic freedom," he said, but "in order to scale effectively there are [some] tough calls." Photos of breastfeeding women and mastectomy scars are OK, but other nipple photos aren't. It's a tough call, since it's pretty easy to find naked photos on apps like Twitter and Snapchat, but Instagram is trying to play it safe. Looks like it's up to Apple to truly #freethenipple once and for all.
Follow Marie Claire on Instagram for the latest celeb news, pretty pics, funny stuff, and an insider POV.
-
Hugh Grant Says His 'Notting Hill' Character is "Despicable""I just think, 'Why doesn't my character have any balls?'"
-
Rihanna Out-Rihannas Herself in a Statement Fur Coat and Polka Dot DressWhen it comes to fashion, the singer and entrepreneur is simply competing with herself.
-
Selena Gomez Dresses Down Her Platform Prada Loafers With a Classic Blazer and JeansThe 'Only Murders in the Building' star dressed to impress during a pizza dinner date with her sister.
-
48 Last-Minute Father's Day Gifts to Scoop UpHe'll never even know you left it until now.
-
So, Are Emma and Micah From 'Selling Sunset' Together Now?The property developer and the 'Selling Sunset' newbie hit it off in the show's fifth season.
-
Aly Raisman on Body Positivity and Detoxing From Social MediaThe athlete opens up about overcoming insecurities and creating safe spaces on the internet.
-
16 Gifts Any Music Lover Will Be Obsessed WithAirPods beanies? Say less.
-
The 17 Best Dating Sites and AppsIt's time to meet your match.
-
Zoe Kravitz Clapped Back at Commenter Who Criticized Her Met Gala Dress“It’s just a body. We all got em.”
-
This Pet Food Dispenser Is a Game-Changer for My PetThe futuristic-looking Petlibro Granary makes me feel so much less guilty being away from my dog.
-
Are Emily and Cam From 'Too Hot to Handle' Still Together?The couple finally revealed whether they're still making it work.
