The sexual use of certain emojis is now banned by Facebook and Instagram

In an attempt to oppose sexual exploitation, Facebook has updated the Community Terms and Conditions, including banning the use of certain sexually suggestive emojis.

Content that asks for or offers nude pictures, sex or sex partners or sexual conversations through chat, using one of the following sexually suggestive elements:

Individual or sequential emoji with specific context that are often used as sexually suggestive.

The new directive does not target emojis themselves such as eggplant and peach, but use them next to forms of sexual content. As stated in the New York Times :

Content will only be removed from Facebook and Instagram if it contains a sexual emoji next to an implied or indirect request for nude photos, sex or sexual partners and sexual content discussions. We are not targeting the emojis themselves.

In addition, the use of emoji to cover female nipples, genitals and nipples is prohibited, as well as any links or information that leads to pornographic or adult content in general. Punishment for using emojis for sexual purposes includes warning and eventually removing the account.

The only clear exception to this universal ban on sexual expression on Facebook and Instagram is the use of platforms ” to discuss and raise public awareness of sexual violence and exploitation .”