Kim Kardashian Freezes Her Instagram Account As She Joins Other Celebrities In Social Media Boycott.
Kim Kardashian West has announced she will “freeze” her Instagram and Facebook accounts today as she criticised the social media giants over “the spread of hate, propaganda and misinformation”.
The reality star joins dozens of other celebrities to take part in the #StopHateforProfit campaign, which will see them boycott the platforms for 24 hours on Wednesday.
“I can’t sit by and stay silent while these platforms continue to allow the spreading of hate, propaganda and misinformation – created by groups to sow division and split America apart,” Kardashian wrote somewhat ironically in an Instagram post the day before.
She added that inaccurate social media posts have “a serious impact on our elections and undermines our democracy”.
Continuing her statement, she said: “I love that I can connect directly with you through Instagram and Facebook, but I can’t sit by and stay silent while these platforms continue to allow the spreading of hate, propaganda and misinformation – created by groups to sow division and split America apart – only to take steps after people are killed.”
The model and businesswoman has 188 million Instagram followers, while her Facebook page has been liked by more than 29,000,000 people.
Leonardo DiCaprio, Katty Perry, Sacha Baron Cohen and Jennifer Lawrence are among the high profile figures to take part in the stand-off.
“I do use Instagram and Facebook, but I want it to be a force for good – not hate, violence, and disinformation,” DiCaprio wrote in an Instagram post.
Meanwhile Perry commented: “I can’t sit idly by while these platforms turn a blind eye to groups and posts spreading hateful disinformation.”
The organisers of #StopHateforProfit, which was launched in June, accuse Facebook and Instagram of not doing enough to stop hate speech and disinformation.
“We are quickly approaching one of the most consequential elections in American history,” the group said in a statement.
“Facebook’s unchecked and vague ‘changes’ are falling dangerously short of what is necessary to protect our democracy.”
Facebook, which owns Instagram, has previously said it is taking steps to tackle disinformation online.
Both platforms have been contacted for comment.
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