Instagram censoring Spyderco and other knives?

[Mile High]

I'm brand new to Instagram, literally just created my account today. I wanted a place to show off my knives and watches but I noticed it seems Instagram censors or makes it difficult to find others who are into knives. Examples, I couldn't find Spydercos official IG account until I searched for it and typed their handle name in full, to the very last letter. Then when searching certain models under their hashtags, ex #para3, the results are hidden and considered "sensitive content". I get IG probably see's these are "weapons" rather than tools, but I also don't know if it's just me since my account is new or is it this way for everyone?

[SpeedHoles]

I'm brand new to Instagram, literally just created my account today. I wanted a place to show off my knives and watches but I noticed it seems Instagram censors or makes it difficult to find others who are into knives. Examples, I couldn't find Spydercos official IG account until I searched for it and typed their handle name in full, to the very last letter. Then when searching certain models under their hashtags, ex #para3, the results are hidden and considered "sensitive content". I get IG probably see's these are "weapons" rather than tools, but I also don't know if it's just me since my account is new or is it this way for everyone?

I personally haven't noticed this, but it is a tough topic to moderate, especially when a casual user (or even moderator/generic meta content filter employee) doesn't always know the difference on the fine line between a tool, and a weapon. I think they have to lean on the side of "stabby looks hurty".
Just like now with these street takeover idiots doing heinous stuff in their cars, well now anyone with a video doing a burnout or donut, even if legally on a closed course, is now also more likely lumped into the same category as the stolen cars running over people sliding through intersections.

I haven't experienced this either, but apparently PayPal and other money transfer apps can freeze or ban accounts if they get any hint that a transaction involves a potential "weapon".


Just wait until AI starts rapid filtering these things based on database image comparison and no explanation.

[Mile High]

I personally haven't noticed this, but it is a tough topic to moderate, especially when a casual user (or even moderator/generic meta content filter employee) doesn't always know the difference on the fine line between a tool, and a weapon.

I "unofficially confirmed" they do censor/filter out a ton of content involving knives. I had my wife and a coworker both do searches for Spyderco and other companies like REC and neither could find them until I told them to type their IG names out in full. When searching for different knife models the results were limited to like 9 pictures, none of which showed a knife. As someone who is new to the platform, there's no chance to grow a following or get exposure in search results, that's a bummer. But again, I get it's a popular platform with kids and young adults and things like knives can be seen as a weapon so they have to play it safe.

[RustyIron]

I have an Instagram account, but the only time I use it is to see what someone's talking about, like now. I just logged in, and of the first dozen things that showed up, nine were knives. Some were black knives, some were colorful knives. All were scary knives, the kind that are sometimes carried by unsavory characters... the kind carried by the likes of you and me.

This morning I read an article that discussed how Zuckerberg intends to cull all the non-productive employees and change censorship and DEI policies. Perhaps the shake-up will make Instagram a more friendly platform for regular people.

[SpyderEdgeForever]

Rusty and all it reminds me of an anti knife person who I showed just a picture of the Spyder Hawk to and she told me that is an "evil killer knife" and only bad people would buy or own it. She said even the images should require 21 and over to see them. I aaked her if she uses a chef knife at home for food and she said she owns two. That chef knife can do worse damage if abused than a Spyder Hawk. She also wants all toy weapons banned.

[Cigarlover]

Not for me !! I post knives and get them constantly across my feed as well as firearms too.

[Michael Janich]

Dear Cigarlover:

Welcome to the Spyderco Forum.

Stay safe,

Mike

[8th_Note]

We are living in a day and age when an 18 year old high school senior can be arrested and have their life ruined for carrying a pocket knife at school.

What is the solution to this insanity? I have a few ideas, but I'd probably get banned from this forum for expressing them

Such is life current-year America