Norway announces ban on Instagram photo editing
Have you even been scrolling through your Instagram feed and seen a photo with such unrealistic beauty standards that it has made you question your entire existence?
With attempts to eradicate such feelings, Norway has taken steps and precautions meaning that anyone editing their face or body in a photo must put a disclaimer.
The rule doesn’t just apply for influencers, but advertisers too. The new legal requirement was passed by the Norwegian Ministry of Children and Families Affairs department, which now makes it illegal for influencers and advertisers to post filtered and edited pictures without adding a disclaimer owning up to the enhancement.
The vote had a staggering 72 votes in favour, and 15 against the new regulation. The new law states any photo where the subjects body size, shape, or skin has been enhanced, morphed or filtered in any way will have to feature a government designed stamp. The law will only apply for images being used for promotional services and content, however this will still include content created for Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Twitter, Snapchat and YouTube if the creator receives any benefit from promoting the product.
Norway is following suit with France, who were ahead of their time as they introduced legislation back in 2017 which means fashion magazines must declare if their images are retouched or not.
Will other countries follow suit?
