Instagram says it mistakenly blocked LGBTQ+ content for teen users

Instagram recently blocked teen users from viewing the results for numerous LGBTQ+ terms by accident, according to a spokesperson for Meta, the platform’s parent company.

The restrictions were reported by User Mag, which found that teen users searching for content related to dozens of hashtags including #lesbian, #bisexual, #gay, #trans, #queer, #nonbinary, #Tgirlsarebeautiful, and #lesbianpride were instead shown a blank page with a message directing them to the platform’s sensitive content policy.

That policy prohibits content “that impedes our ability to foster a safe community,” and includes material that may be “sexually explicit or suggestive.”

“These search terms and hashtags were mistakenly restricted — an error that has now been fixed,” a Meta spokesperson told Mashable. “It’s important to us that all communities feel safe and welcome on Meta apps, and we do not consider LGBTQ+ terms to be sensitive under our policies.”

Meta attributed the issue to technology that helps limit user exposure to sensitive content mistakenly misclassifying several LGBTQ+ terms, making them temporarily restricted.

Instagram’s new teen accounts limit sensitive content by default. Teens between the ages of 13 and 15 need parental permission to change the setting.

Mashable previously reported on claims made by adult LGBTQ creators that Instagram has shadowbanned their content. The platform has tried to address general concerns regarding “non-recommendable” content, with mixed reviews from affected creators.

Meta told Mashable that LGBTQ content isn’t considered sensitive and is eligible for recommendation, provided the content doesn’t violate any other platform policies.

LGBTQ youth advocates criticized Instagram for the search restrictions.

“For many LGBTQ people, especially youth, platforms like Instagram are crucial for self-discovery, community building, and accessing supportive information,” Leanna Garfield, social media safety program manager at GLAAD, told User Mag. “By limiting access to LGBTQ content, Instagram may be inadvertently contributing to the isolation and marginalization of LGBTQ users.”