Multiple professional photo and video journalists appear to be having an issue with Instagram removing their coverage of Capitol Siege.
Explanation for the posts removal is “Violence or dangerous organizations”
Some were even told that their account may be deleted.
We asked photojournalist Adam Gray, who’s account was threatened to be deleted, what he thinks of this situation : “In the days following the storming of the Capitol by supporters of President Trump, myself and other colleagues have had their posts – photo and videos – removed for breaking guidelines, with warnings of our accounts being deleted. ‘Post removed for violence or dangerous organizations’ is the reason given. As a platform widely used for journalism and to showcase historical documentation it is extremely important that this work should not be censored or whitewashed. Instagram already has the ability to put a ‘Sensitive’ warning over an image so as not to offend if it depicted something graphic. This was an unprecedented event of enormous historical importance – instagram’s users should have the ability to view the events of that day. Censorship of journalism sets a dangerous precedent. If instagram is to continue to be viewed as a serious platform for photography and photojournalism then this must be addressed.”
“Journalists covered these events at great personal risk, with several being attacked on the ground. To then be censored online by instagram is unacceptable.” he added
Photojournalist Jon Farina posted saying “This is dangerous what you are doing. People need to know what is actually happening. You are leaving people in the dark.”
When the post is removed by Instagram, an explanation says “Your post goes against our community guidelines. We created these guidelines to support and protect our community on instagram.”
This happened after multiple conservative and some far right accounts were banned from Twitter.
Twitter first banned President Trump’s personal account, citing the risk of further incitement of violence following the siege on the U.S. Capitol.
Facebook also announced a temporary suspension of Donald Trump following Capitol riots , they said they would extend that action indefinitely.
We have received response from Instagram / Facebook spokesperson regarding Instagram deleting images and videos from Capitol Siege from journalists accounts. Four of the mentioned accounts have been restored.
People can request a re-review of their removed content directly in the Instagram app (instructions below).
https://help.instagram.com/280908123309761
We know we don’t always get it right when we decide to remove a post. If your post was taken down and you think it doesn’t go against our Community Guidelines, you can request a review in most circumstances. For some types of content, you can’t request a review, but we’re adding more options.
When you request a review, we’ll take another look at the decision we made about your post.
To request a review on the Instagram app for Android and iPhone:
1. Tap [email protected] or your profile picture in the bottom right to go to your profile.
2. Tap instagram-menu-hamburger in the top right.
3. Tap [email protected] Settings, then tap Help.
4. Tap Support Requests, then tap Violations.
5. Open the update we sent you about our decision.
6. Tap More Options at the bottom.
7. Tap Request Review, then tap Close.
Once you ask us to take another look, your content will be reviewed again by Instagram, usually within 24 hours. If we find we’ve made a mistake, we’ll let you know, and your content will be reposted
