When we’re scrolling through photos on social media, it’s sometimes hard to tell what’s been edited. But would a disclaimer stating the post had been filtered or modified help to improve users’ self-esteem?
A new law in Norway is coming into force (check staus of the law here: https://www.stortinget.no) that will mean social media Influencers can’t post modified photos without declaring what they’ve done.The new regulations from Norway’s Ministry of Children and Family Affairs have been brought in to try and fight unrealistic beauty standards. Earlier this month, the law passed with 72 officials voting in favour and 15 voting against it. The King of Norway will later decide when it will come into effect. When the law is implemented, it will require influencers who are making money from their content, to label when an image has been retouched.
Image Credit: Parliament of United Kingdom
“We need this law” says Madeleine Pedersen (@madeleinepedersenn), 26, who is an Instagram influencer from Moss in Norway.
This includes alterations that have been made to the subject’s body size, shape, or skin, either before – like through a filter – or after the image has been taken. Specific examples include enlarged lips, edited muscles and cinched waistlines.
Images that have been retouched will be legally required to carry a label designed by the government that alerts the viewer.
Advertisers who use social media content for promotional purposes will also be affected by the law. In addition, influencers and celebrities who post on social media sites will be obliged to comply if they “receive any payment or other benefits” from the posts.
A 2019 study found that viewing images of cosmetically enhanced females increased the desire for cosmetic surgery among women aged between 18 and 29 years old. In Norway, debate around ‘kroppspress’ which translates to ‘body pressure’, has been taking place.
In the proposed amendments sent to the Norwegian parliament, the ministry said, “The measure will hopefully make a useful and significant contribution to curbing the negative impact that such advertising has, especially on children and young people.”
In 2017, Image-selling database site Getty Images announced it would ban photos of retouched models. In the same year, France brought in legislation requiring magazines to say when an image has been retouched. Tell us if this progression!
Lifted via The Indpendent and BBC news. If you like content like this, make sure to follow @itp.live for more.