What is digital censorship?
Digital censorship or digital suppression refers to platform practices that limit the visibility or availability of sexual and reproductive health information online. This includes content removals, account suspensions, shadowbanning, and other forms of algorithmic suppression.
Why is content removed or restricted?
Platforms often rely on automated moderation systems that flag or restrict content related to sexuality, reproduction, and bodily autonomy. Even when content follows platform rules, it may be misclassified as unsafe or inappropriate.
Who is most affected?
Sexual and reproductive health organizations, LGBTQ+ communities, sex worker–led groups, and other marginalized communities are disproportionately impacted and rely on digital platforms to share critical information.
How does digital censorship happen?
Censorship occurs through content takedowns, shadowbanning, reduced visibility, account suspensions, and advertising restrictions. These practices are often automated and inconsistently enforced.
Why does digital censorship matter?
Digital censorship limits access to essential health information, undermines freedom of expression, and disproportionately harms communities already facing systemic barriers.
What does Repro Uncensored do?
Repro Uncensored documents digital censorship, analyzes platform enforcement patterns, and supports communities whose access to information has been restricted. We work to expose systemic harm and demand accountability.
Digital censorship shapes what information people can access, share, and trust online.
Across platforms, content related to sexual and reproductive health, gender, and bodily autonomy is routinely restricted, removed, or suppressed through automated systems and opaque moderation practices. These decisions often happen without warning or explanation, limiting access to critical information and disproportionately impacting marginalized communities.
If you or your organization have experienced censorship, let us know so we can track and take action.
⚠️ Content removal
Activists and organizations have reported their abortion content being removed for “violating community guidelines,” even when the content itself does not violate platform rules.
In many cases, platforms incorrectly cite policies around regulated goods or pharmaceuticals, even when no information about obtaining abortion medication is shared.
📉 Reduced reach
Many advocates report decreased visibility when discussing abortion online, including suppressed posts, fewer views, and limited reach.
To avoid censorship, some users alter spelling or language, which impacts clarity and discoverability.
👁️ Shadowbanning
Shadowbanning occurs when accounts are made less visible without notification, limiting engagement and discoverability.
This practice can effectively silence individuals and organizations without explanation.
🚫 Advertising restrictions
Platforms often restrict or ban ads related to abortion or reproductive health, even when the content is informational and compliant.
This prevents organizations from sharing accurate, life saving information.
Digital censorship is ongoing and increasing
These enforcement processes are often opaque and lengthy, with little transparency or meaningful recourse.
They cause real harm by perpetuating stigma, delaying or blocking access to critical information, and forcing organizations to divert time and resources away from care, education, and community support.