Snapchat has removed a controversial selfie lens filter after the photo app was accused of racism. The lens appeared to play on stereotypes of Eastern Asian appearance. As soon as the filter was introduced, it was met with an instant backlash. Users accused the app of racism and questioned whether anyone at the company had […]
Snapchat has removed a controversial selfie lens filter after the photo app was accused of racism.
The lens appeared to play on stereotypes of Eastern Asian appearance. As soon as the filter was introduced, it was met with an instant backlash.
Users accused the app of racism and questioned whether anyone at the company had stopped to think of the potentially offensive implications.
@Snapchat what the HELL is up with this yellow face filter? Racist filters are not cute. Wtf are you doing? Deleting pic.twitter.com/MABZ5iDZkn
— Tasting with Tansu (@TansuPhilip) August 9, 2016
After the outcry, Snapchat deleted the filter, and said it had not intended to cause offence with the lens, which was inspired by anime.
“This anime-inspired lens has already expired, and won’t be put back into circulation,” Snapchat said “Lenses are meant to be playful and never to offend.”
It is not the first time the app has face a racism row. In April, a special “Bob Marley” filter saw Snapchat accused of encouraging digital “blackface”.
At the time, it said the lens had been developed with Bob Marley’s estate.
