THE EYE MAMA PROJECT /KARNI ARIELI

NAME: Karni Arieli
PLATFORM & USERNAME: Insta – @eyemamaproject
CENSORSHIP: Account & Content Ban

What reason was given for your ban?

Breaking guidelines and nudity.

All I did was share motherhood. I am the founder of the Eye Mama project.

@eyemamaproject had been completely removed for 4 days before I then got it back. But it is still under threat. Instagram won’t give details or share why, It’s crazy in the western world in 2022!

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

Showing breastfeeding and motherhood raw and true. Algorithms are biased!! And seem to target mama accounts. I know many are suffering from this! And many removed! It’s an issue.

Were you able to appeal and what was the response?

I appealed and got the whole {Eye Mama} platform to complain!

After 4 days of fighting we got it back but with no apology and no explanation. I’ve tried for weeks to get answers, they won’t say anything and we’re still under threat!

What effect has your experience of censorship had on you?

It’s affected my curation. And disempowered me. As a woman and mama. And photographer curator! It has made me feel fear, judgement and shame too.

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

Mama gaze matters.

How can we empower mothers when we are constantly telling them they are wrong and misbehaving? Censorship is wrong and algorithms need to be checked! Motherhood should be addressed separately on Instagram and given a voice. And we need answers!