Medium: Drawing

Censored by: Instagram

Was there a notification of removal and if so what was the reason given?: My drawing "Leyla, Şirin and Aslı" was removed by instagram for violating community guidelines, despite the fact that it is non-violent and non-pornographic. The reason to its removal was “Your post goes against our guidelines on adult sexual solicitation…We don't allow people to facilitate, encourage or coordinate sexual activity on Instagram.

Sexual activities include:
Filmed sexual activities and porn
Sexual, erotic or tantric messages
Offering or asking for sex or nude images”

What date were you censored?: July 17, 2022

Were you given an opportunity to appeal? If so, did you appeal and what was the response?: I first applied for a review of the decision but it was rejected. I then appealed to the Oversight Board, the board was created to help Facebook and Instagram answer some of the toughest questions about freedom of expression on the internet, and is the body that reviews posts restricted by Instagram and decides whether to lift the restriction if there was a mistake. My case to this board was not even considered. Later, when I was selected as one of the Meta artists, the restriction on my account was lifted.

What have the consequences been for you because of this removal? Please describe in best detail.: The consequences resulting from the removal of my artwork on social media platforms have had an impact on various aspects of my life. Following the removal, I faced substantial difficulties in promoting my other artistic works. I repeatedly encountered rejections when attempting to advertise my creations, and at the end my personal account was removed from advertising by Instagram. Upon appealing this decision, I received a disheartening response indicating that my ad account had been disabled due to a failure to comply with advertising policies, or other standards such as having a high number of rejected ads, attempting to circumvent the ad review process, engaging in potentially fraudulent behavior, or associating with untrustworthy accounts. What's particularly disheartening is that, with the passage of time, this decision cannot be reviewed or reconsidered.

This setback extends far beyond just a loss of income and visibility. Social media platforms, like Instagram, have evolved into essential portfolios for artists, serving as our virtual identities in the online world. Therefore, the unjust restrictions imposed on my presence not only impede my ability to connect with my audience but also hinder my creative expression. Dealing with censorship has, at times, taken an emotional toll on me. It creates a challenging atmosphere that both propels me to create more passionately, as a form of resistance, and, in other instances, leaves me feeling disheartened, preventing me from producing new works. The experience underscores the vital importance of standing against such limitations to preserve my creative freedom and maintain a presence in the digital realm, which has become integral to my existence as an artist.

Please write additional comments: I wanted to briefly mention this drawing. My "Leyla, Şirin and Aslı" drawing, inspired by Hülya Serap Doğaner's book "Leyla and Şirin" about the love of two women, was removed by Instagram. Doğaner's book is a world that goes beyond the gender stereotypes of Leyla and Mecnun (Majnun) and Ferhat and Şirin, two different love adventures that are frequently depicted in classical Turkish literature and Turkish folk literature, and is built on a more inclusive basis. In my drawing, I have added Kerem and Asli, another love story that also has an important place in Turkish folk literature. In my drawing you can see 3 women, including Aslı, naked and hugging each other.

Your website: http://www.meltemsahin.info

Your Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meltemsahin___/

Your Twitter: https://twitter.com/MeltemSahin_Art

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