Sexters beware! Instagram and Facebook are cracking down on the sexualized use of their emojis. Yeah, y’all read that correctly, they’re actually putting a ban on “sexual” emoji use.

The two emojis that are currently under fire are probably the two emojis you’re currently thinking of: 🍑 and 🍆.

So, why the ban on “sexual” emoji use?

Back in July, Facebook updated its community guidelines on the DL. As you know, Facebook owns Instagram which is why these changes are also affecting that platform.

These new changes weren’t put through until September and the new terms basically make it so that no one can use Facebook or Instagram to plan, set up, or talk about any sort of “sexual encounters between adults”. No one, not even two consenting adults!

The ban:

Here is the ban verbatim:

As noted in Section 8 of our Community Standards (Sexual Exploitation of Adults), people use Facebook to discuss and draw attention to sexual violence and exploitation. We recognize the importance of and want to allow for this discussion. We draw the line, however, when content facilitates, encourages or coordinates sexual encounters between adults.

Facebook Community Guidelines

Of course, the ban is an attempt at mitigating sexual violence, exploitation and abuse, so I get why it exists. I guess those who want to sext just have to take it to Whatsapp or iMessage to schedule some nooky.

And don’t get it twisted, you can still totally use the emojis but it’s the context they’re used in that matters. If you pair one of the sexual emojis while implicitly asking or speaking about sex, then the content will be removed. For offenders, there is also the possibility of your account getting flagged or removed so beware!

So, PSA, sext on Whatsapp, Snapchat, iMessage, homing pigeon, snail mail, message in a bottle ANYTHING but Facebook or Instagram, ok? 😂

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