"UK Bill Proposed: Must Attach Logo When Posting Edited Photos on SNS"

by Yun Seulgi

Published 24 Jan.2022 02:00(KST)

Updated 24 Jan.2022 08:43(KST)

"'Photo Editing' May Negatively Affect the Mental Health of the Younger Generation"

Luke Evans, a British Conservative Party MP, has proposed a bill to regulate 'photo retouching.' <br/>Photo by Evans MP Twitter capture.

Luke Evans, a British Conservative Party MP, has proposed a bill to regulate 'photo retouching.'
Photo by Evans MP Twitter capture.

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoon Seul-gi] A bill has been introduced in the UK to regulate 'photo retouching' by influencers. The bill requires influencers to clearly disclose when they post digitally altered photos of their bodies on social networking services (SNS).

Luke Evans, a Conservative Party MP in the UK, introduced the "Digitally Altered Images Bill" on the 12th (local time).

MP Evans argued that the same regulations applied to TV programs that display logos when paid advertisements are included should also apply to influencers' digitally retouched body photos.

He explained, "We aim for a 'body positive' society where bodies created through retouching do not exist," adding, "This targets those with broad influence or commercial intent, not ordinary people who retouch wedding photos or remove red-eye effects."

In an interview with local media, Evans said, "When I worked as a doctor, I saw many patients suffering from anxiety, depression, and in the worst cases, eating disorders due to concerns about their body shape." He continued, "It is perfectly natural to admire perfectly retouched body photos, but in some cases, no matter how hard you try, it is physically impossible to achieve the retouched body."

He expressed particular concern that 'photo retouching' negatively impacts the mental health of younger generations. He said, "Young people who use SNS extensively develop distorted perceptions of their bodies and come to idolize unrealistic body shapes," adding, "This often leads to 'body dysmorphia,' where individuals feel something is wrong with their own bodies."

According to the UK's National Health Service (NHS), since COVID-19, the diagnosis rates of body dysmorphia and eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia among youths aged 17 and under have increased by 41%. This appears to be a side effect of increased SNS use and admiration of perfected photos created through retouching apps during the pandemic.

Evans stated, "Even if it is through regulating photo retouching, we must correct the flawed standards of beauty entrenched in society," adding, "I hope advertisers, broadcasters, and influencers no longer feel the need to retouch body proportions or shapes."