Instagram CEO talks #freethenipple and why Miley Cyrus’ boobs can’t be on display on social media

MILEY Cyrus has been open in her support of #freethenipple campaign, but now Instagram has revealed why it bans female nipples.

Miley Cyrus is a big fan of the free the nipple campaign

MILEY Cyrus has been open in her support of #freethenipple campaign, but now Instagram has revealed why it bans female nipples.

Instagram CEO Kevin Systrom has admitted the company censors pictures of female nipples primarily because Apple’s App store explicitly bans nudity within apps, unless it is rated suitable for those aged over 17.

For a few months now, a growing number of women have been posting topless photos of themselves to their Instagram accounts in opposition to the company’s guidelines that has spurred a campaign called #freethenipple.

Turning heads ... Demi Moore’s daughter, Scout Willis, walks around New York topless. Picture: Twitter

It has become a popular campaign among celebrities, with stars such as Scout Willis walking around New York to raise awareness of their plight.

But Mr Systrom said that violating Apple’s guidelines could risk the app being removed, Business Insider reported.

Instagram operates under a 12+ rating, which under AppStoreGuidelines “may contain frequent or intense cartoon, fantasy or realistic violence, mild or infrequent mature or suggestive themes ... which may not be suitable for children under the age of 12.”

Increasing the age limit to allow more explicit content would alienate younger users, said Mr Systrom.