INSTAGRAM TURNS 14: A JOURNEY OF GROWTH AMID CONTROVERSY AND LEGAL BATTLES

Tue 08 October 2024:

As Instagram celebrates its 14th anniversary with over 2 billion active users, the platform faces criticism for alleged political censorship, particularly the removal of posts supporting the Palestinian cause. The platform’s reputation has been marred by controversies over restricting political content, leading to lawsuits and claims that it stifles free expression.

New Features, Lawsuits, and a Global Backlash

In February, Instagram introduced new features to curb political disinformation ahead of the U.S. elections, though critics argue these tools have been misused to block pro-Palestinian posts during the Gaza crisis, which saw over 42,000 lives lost. Turkish authorities also took action, blocking Instagram in August over concerns of criminal content, but access was restored after Meta met local demands.

Meta Platforms, Instagram’s parent company, has faced a wave of lawsuits globally, including a $5 billion suit in the U.S. over the platform’s addictive design targeting teens.

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Instagram’s Legal Troubles Escalate Globally

In 2022, Meta Platforms was fined $18.6 million by the Turkish Competition Board for unfair practices, and the fines have since surpassed $26 million. A separate $99.9 million penalty was issued by the Irish Data Protection Commission for failing to protect users’ passwords.

Despite the legal challenges, Meta introduced “Teen Accounts” to enhance parental controls in response to growing concerns over youth safety on the platform.

From Startup to Global Giant: Instagram’s Meteoric Rise

Founded in 2010 by Mike Krieger and Kevin Systrom, Instagram gained 25,000 users on its first day and reached 1 million users in under three months. Acquired by Facebook in 2012 for $1 billion, the platform enabled ad-sponsored posts in 2013, with ad revenue skyrocketing to $3 billion by 2016.

Today, Instagram’s brand value stands at $70 billion, and Meta Platforms is valued at over $1.4 trillion. Fashion, lifestyle, and beauty brands on Instagram generated $16.9 billion in the first half of 2023, solidifying its status as a global powerhouse.

SOURCE: INDEPENDENT PRESS AND NEWS AGENCIES

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