Cristian Townsend

NAME: Cristian Townsend
CENSORSHIP: Shadow & ad ban

What reason was given for your ban?

None. I have sent numerous messages to Instagram but with no response. I keep getting an automated message saying my Instagram ads have been rejected because of ‘tobacco advertising’. There is no tobacco advertising on my proposed advertised posts. Ads have also been rejected because of political content. I am an art photographer. I did an award-winning series about climate change. It was a  surreal, symbolic series. It should not have been banned or rejected.

Why do you think your post(s) was censored?

Political content and nudity, but nothing against FB or Instagram rules.

Were you able to appeal and what was the response?

Yes. Many times. No response. Ever.

What effect has your experience of censorship had on you?

It has affected my trust in social media and has severely limited my reach.

What’s one thing you want people to know about this topic?

To question social media and all authority and never compromise your artistic vision or self-censor.