ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Facebook Blocks Danish MP's Little Mermaid Photo Over Nudity Policy

digital · 2026-04-20

Facebook blocked Danish Social Democrat MP Mette Gjerskov from uploading a photo of Copenhagen's iconic Little Mermaid sculpture to her profile, citing excessive bare skin or sexual undertones. The platform's notification stated these rules applied even to images with artistic or educational purposes. Gjerskov expressed shock that the national treasure would be categorized alongside child pornography. Facebook reversed its decision in March 2015 after revising its nudity policy to permit photos of nude art. The incident was reported by BBC News and highlighted tensions between social media content moderation and cultural expression.

Key facts

  • Facebook blocked Mette Gjerskov from uploading a photo of the Little Mermaid sculpture
  • The platform cited 'too much bare skin or sexual undertones'
  • Rules applied even to images with artistic or educational purposes
  • Gjerskov is a Danish Social Democrat MP
  • The sculpture is located in Copenhagen
  • Facebook reversed the decision in March 2015
  • Facebook changed its nudity policy to allow photos of nude art
  • The incident was reported by BBC News

Entities

Artists

  • Mette Gjerskov

Institutions

  • Facebook
  • BBC News

Locations

  • Copenhagen
  • Denmark

Sources