Mark Zuckerberg’s company, Meta, has drawn significant criticism following the deletion of Instagram accounts associated with sex worker-led organizations. This action reportedly erased over 52,000 followers overnight, affecting fully compliant arts collectives that advocate for sex workers. The abrupt removal has left performers and advocates expressing their anger and frustration, highlighting concerns over censorship.
Maedb Joy, founder of the UK-based performing arts company Sexquisite, described the impact of the deletions, stating, “Meta deleting our account destroys six years of work building a community that exists both online and in real life.” Founded in 2019, Sexquisite aims to create paid opportunities for sex workers through various creative outlets, including theatre and cabaret, while challenging societal stigma.
The recent crackdown led to the loss of 26,000 followers from the @sexquisite.events account alone. Other affected accounts included Cybertease, UK Sex Worker Pride, and the Sexquisite Podcast, collectively losing a substantial online presence. Reports indicate that Meta has removed or restricted accounts of over 50 organizations globally, including abortion access providers and queer advocacy groups, marking one of the most significant waves of censorship in recent years.
Maedb Martha Dimitratou, Executive Director of Repro Uncensored, emphasized the broader implications of these deletions: “This isn’t just about one deleted account; it’s part of a much bigger pattern.” She pointed out that various queer and feminist organizations, alongside reproductive health providers, face similar restrictions on Meta’s platforms.
April, founder of Cybertease, expressed concern over the implications for dancers relying on the platform for safety and visibility. “Losing our platform removes access to a safer working environment for dancers who rely on us,” she stated. The nightlife industry, already facing challenges, finds itself further jeopardized by such actions.
Maedb highlighted that their Instagram presence was crucial for promoting events, collaborating with performers, and maintaining financial stability. “Without online reach, shows become financially unstable, performers lose income, and community spaces disappear,” she explained. The deleted content primarily featured safe-for-work images and advocacy efforts that complied with Instagram’s guidelines.
The swift removal of accounts has forced organizations like Sexquisite to adapt rapidly. They have since created a new, less explicit account and relied on alternative methods to engage with their community. Despite their efforts, many performers face immediate income disruption as they navigate this sudden loss of visibility.
While Meta claims the deletions were due to violations of “human exploitation” policies, critics argue that the enforcement often fails to differentiate between advocacy and exploitation. Maedb noted the double standard within the platform, pointing out how pop culture frequently appropriates sex worker aesthetics without consequence. “When sex workers speak for themselves, it’s punished,” she remarked.
Meta’s spokesperson reiterated that all users are subject to the same community guidelines, dismissing accusations of targeted enforcement. As the platform continues to face scrutiny, advocates call for a reevaluation of policies that disproportionately affect marginalized communities.
As the conversation around censorship and representation in social media continues, the impact on the livelihoods of performers remains a pressing concern. The loss of access to a vital communication tool like Instagram has left many questioning the balance between safety and silencing advocacy.
For the latest updates and developments on this issue, follow credible news sources and advocacy organizations dedicated to supporting affected communities.
