Observed Signal · Jul 13, 2020 · Policy Update · Source: OnlineMarketing.de · Impact: 5/5 · Sentiment: Positive
Instagram and Facebook Ban Conversion Therapy Ads
Facebook announced a global policy update that bans any content promoting conversion therapy on Facebook and Instagram. The update also changes the platforms' Hate Speech guidelines accordingly. Instagram’s Tara Hopkins stated that promotion of conversion therapy services is not allowed, and violating content has been removed from the Core Issues Trust account. The practice remains controversial and is rejected by psychiatric and psychological communities, though it is still legal in some countries, including the US and the UK; Germany has laws restricting conversion therapies and advertising, arguing they cause harm. The move follows activist pressure and was reported by CNN as part of broader platform governance efforts aimed at protecting LGBTQ+ individuals online. The decision underscores ongoing debates about content moderation and regulatory alignment across jurisdictions.
Policy Update by Major Platform (Meta) banning conversion therapy ads; significant impact on AdTech and content moderation.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- Facebook and Instagram will ban any content that promotes or advertises conversion therapy globally.
- The update includes changes to the platforms' Hate Speech guidelines.
- Tara Hopkins, Instagram Public Policy Director EMEA, stated the promotion of conversion therapy services is banned.
- Instagram removed violating content from the Core Issues Trust account as part of policy review with experts.
- Conversion therapy is rejected by psychiatric/psychological communities but remains legal in some countries; Germany bans conversion therapies for minors and non-consenting adults and advertising.
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