Sam Morris

NAME: Sam Morris (he/him)
PLATFORM & USERNAME: Insta – @justsammorris
CENSORSHIP: Content, Shadow & account ban

What reason was given for your ban?

Sexual solicitation & adult nudity.

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

Because of Meta’s discriminatory, puritanical & archaic ‘community guidelines’.

Were you able to appeal and what was the response?

Yes, multiple times. My account has been removed twice and then given back both times. I’ve then had multiple posts removed over the year, some I appeal & get reposted, but they often get taken down for the most bizarre reasons. I’m then shadowbanned & you can’t find my handle unless you type in the full name.

What effect has your experience of censorship had on you?

My account was deleted for the second time 3 days before my first ever solo photographic exhibition in New York City. All my means of communication & PR were gone. I appealed every hour and contacted everyone I knew. I managed to get my account back the following day, after a lot of emotional distress. Every day/week/year I feel insecure that my livelihood will be taken away by this horrendous company.

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

Instagram very dangerously monopolised the photographic, fashion & art industries, and by doing so, forced every artist within those to comply with their concept of what is appropriate & what is offensive. If you, as an artist, don’t comply with their puritanical guidelines of what is considered art vs porn, then you’ll be erased from the face of social media, and in 2022, also as an artist. Livelihoods & mental health are destroyed by these account removals, and for those accounts who remain, their artistry is no doubt a casualty.