Lush turns its back on social media (again)

Lush has announced that it will close its accounts on Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat and TikTok until the social media sites better protect their users from harmful content. It is not the first time the company has done this…

Whistle-blowers

The decision was prompted by the recent revelations by several whistle-blowers, including former Facebook employee Frances Haugen. This shows that Facebook was aware of the harmful effects of its platforms, especially on teenagers and young people. 

As of today, the cosmetics company will withdraw from said social media in all 48 countries in which it operates. Lush will not completely disappear from the radar online, however, as it promises to find new ways to connect and build better communication channels elsewhere – in addition to using the older, tried-and-tested routes. Until then, the retailer will still be active on Pinterest, Twitter and YouTube.

Second attempt

Two years ago, Lush UK announced it was giving Facebook and Instagram a rest due to growing concerns over the platforms’ control over who does and does not see its posts. But after the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, the company retraced its steps (out of necessity) as everyone became heavily reliant on digital communication.

Lush says on its website that their “resolve has been strengthened” this time by the latest information brought out by “courageous whistle-blowers”. The cosmetics company is pushing for strict guidelines from the platforms themselves and international regulations. “But we can’t wait. We feel forced to take our own action to shield our customers from the harm and manipulation they may experience whilst trying to connect with us on social media.”