Instagram defends move to block Olympic champion over copyright breach

The social media giant argued it was misleading to compare hate speech to intellectual property violations.

Double gold medallist Elaine Thompson-Herah was banned from Instagram for posting videos of her victories. Picture: Martin Rickett/PA

Instagram has defended its moderation policies after being criticised over its response to posts from Olympic champion Elaine Thompson-Herah.

The Jamaican sprinter said her Instagram account had been briefly blocked because she had shared video footage of her victories in the 100 and 200 metres at the Tokyo Olympics which she did not own the rights to.