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Meta's AI Accused of Fatphobia and Queer Erasure
10 Oct
Summary
- Instagram bans disproportionately target plus-size and queer businesses.
- Businesses believe AI mistakenly flags larger bodies as 'sexual'.
- Restoration of banned accounts often requires public outcry.
Several businesses catering to plus-size and LGBTQ+ communities have recently experienced Instagram account suspensions, leading to accusations of discriminatory AI moderation by Meta. Cantiq, a lingerie brand, and Thick Enterprises, which platforms dancers in larger bodies, both had their accounts banned. Chelsea Hughes, owner of Cantiq, believes Meta's AI flags larger bodies as displaying more skin, equating it to sexual content.
Chantal, co-owner of Thick Enterprises, echoed these concerns, calling the bans a "targeted puritanical culling of fat and queer spaces." She suggests the AI's algorithmic bias causes larger bodies to be misread as nude. Both businesses reported that their accounts were eventually restored, but often only after public outcry and media attention.
Organizations like Repro Uncensored have recorded hundreds of digital censorship cases globally, with a significant portion affecting marginalized accounts. GLAAD has stated that Meta is aware of the problem but continues to suspend accounts that do not violate policies, only addressing issues after public pressure.
Meta has stated it enforces policies universally, linking to its guidelines on sexual solicitation. However, businesses like Cantiq and Thick Enterprises claim they adhere to these policies. The lack of clear explanations and human support during these bans causes significant distress and potential financial loss for these small businesses.
