Reason.com - Free Minds and Free Markets

Science & Technology

Instagram Blocks Some Search Terms Used to Sell Drugs

Not the next Silk Road, it seems

Reason Staff | 11.7.2013 4:00 PM


Instagram has blocked searches for certain terms associated with the suspected illegal sale of drugs via its service.

The photo-themed social network took the measure after being asked to respond to an investigation by #BBCtrending - a new social media series.

The journalists had uncovered many pictures and videos of narcotics posted alongside text advertising their sale.

Instagram is owned by Facebook.

The firm has a policy of acting on posts reported as being inappropriate, but it believes it would be impractical and invasive to search for such material.

Reason Staff
Science & TechnologyWar on DrugsNanny StateBlack MarketsSocial MediaDrug PolicyInternetDrugsFree SpeechTechnology