Press freedom is a fundamental principle that supports the right to communicate and express oneself through various media, free from overarching censorship by the state or other controlling bodies. This freedom is crucial for fostering a diverse and inclusive society where every voice can be heard and valued.

However, today’s digital landscape presents unique challenges. Social media platforms, while pivotal in democratizing content creation and sharing, often act as moral arbiters, arbitrarily censoring content under broad and sometimes opaque guidelines. This censorship disproportionately affects content that celebrates the beauty of the human body, such as boudoir photography, categorizing it as sexually explicit, while simultaneously allowing the proliferation of hate speech and promotion of illegal activities.

My personal experiences underscore these challenges. Despite the artistic nature of my work in boudoir photography, I have faced repeated shadow-bans and content removals. Algorithms, devoid of nuance, label my creative expression as sensitive or unsuitable, undermining efforts to celebrate human beauty and diversity. The repercussions extend beyond individual artists to the models themselves, many of whom rely on social media for their livelihoods. The repercussions extend beyond individual artists to the models themselves, many of whom rely on social media for their livelihoods.

When their content is removed or their accounts suspended, these models are frequently forced to create multiple backup accounts—a burdensome and disheartening necessity. The limited options left often push them towards more explicitly adult platforms, which leads to public confusion over the nature of their content, mislabeling their artistic work as purely sexual. Additionally, event organizers face similar challenges, as their efforts to promote networking and skills development within the boudoir photography community are frequently misconstrued as promoting sexual activity.

The solution may lie in consumer choice. By shifting our engagement away from platforms that restrict artistic expression and supporting alternatives that uphold more equitable standards, we can influence these entities to reconsider their policies. Additionally, my project, “Sensuelle Boudoir,” and my personal website serve as uncensored venues for sharing my work, demonstrating the value and need for platforms that respect and embrace diverse expressions of art.

Embracing true press freedom can profoundly impact society by enriching our understanding and appreciation of life and art. It encourages a broader exchange of ideas and fosters creativity by exposing us to perspectives previously hidden by censorship.

As we celebrate Press Freedom Day, let us commit to advocating for a landscape where all forms of expression can thrive unimpeded.