Instagram has earned the ire of many of its users for censoring photographs containing female nipples. This has launched a campaign that has since transitioned into the #FreeTheNipple movement, where women began posting photographs showing their nipples. This purportedly aims to highlight the social media website's double standard on censorship.

Instagram's policy on photographs containing female nipples was addressed by Kevin Systrom, Instagram's CEO, at the Dazed event held in London last Wednesday. Systrom, however, provided more details that suddenly dragged Apple into the issue.

Apple's App Store enforces strict guidelines on nudity for its apps and without Instagram's no-nudity rule, it would be forcibly ejected out of Apple devices unless it is rated 17+, according to Systrom in a Business Insider report. The company prefers to remain within the PG-13 category in order to ensure that young users also get to use the photo-sharing app (which expands the site's audience).

Observers, however, point out that Twitter contains nudity - even porn accounts - but it maintains a 4+ rating at the App Store. In addition, shots of male nipples are not banned on Instagram, iAfrica noted.

Presently, many celebrities have joined in the protest against the Instagram policy. Stars such as Miley Cyrus, Chelsea Handler and Rihanna have uploaded "nipple photographs," but these have all been taken down. The above photograph is a screenshot of Chrissy Teigen's Instagram post that only lasted 20 hours, according to Engadget.