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There's a very pragmatic reason that Instagram refuses to #freethenipple, Business Insider reports. During an event hosted by Dazed Media last week, Instagram CEO Kevin Systrom said that the Apple App Store's age restrictions inform Instagram's policy on nudity. He basically blamed the App Store's strict content guidelines for why images of female nipples are removed from Instagram.
Under the guidelines, any apps containing nudity must be rated 17+. Systrom said Instagram wants to be accessible for as many users as possible, so the app wants to keep its 12+ rating.
Business Insider reports that Systrom stated that Instagram remains "committed to artistic freedom," and that he said, "in order to scale effectively there are [some] tough calls."
Instagram just "clarified" its stance on nudity this spring, stating what kind of nudity is allowed on the app. For example, images of post-mastectomy scarring and women actively breastfeeding are allowed on Instagram. On the other hand, Naomi Campbell's #freethenipple post lasted 20 hours online before it was removed by Instagram.