Instagram removes account of Cork-based influencer 'Rendy Vlad'

Meta, Instagram's parent company, said it had removed the account of Cork-based Ukrainian-born influencer Vladyslav Morhulets, known online as Rendy Vlad.

21-year-old Ukrainian-born Vlad, who goes by Rendy Vlad online

Instagram has removed the account of a Cork-based social media personality who films content using camera-equipped smart glasses, citing repeated violations of its bullying and harassment policies.

Meta, Instagram's parent company, confirmed to the Irish Examiner today that it had removed the account of 'Rendy Vlad'. 

The account is run by Ukrainian-born Vladyslav Morhulets, a 21-year-old who has amassed a substantial social media following, including more than 1.1m followers on TikTok and almost 12,000 followers on Instagram.

The former MTU student frequently films interviews and videos that he calls "pranks" across Cork and elsewhere in Ireland, with many of those featured in his content unaware that they are being filmed.

The Data Protection Commission has previously expressed concern about the misuse of smart glasses.

A spokesperson for Meta said: “We don't tolerate harassing content, however it was captured, and have removed the account @rendy_vlad for repeatedly violating our bullying and harassment policies.

"The vast majority of people use our AI glasses because they’re helpful in everyday moments like listening to music, getting live translation while travelling, or making a call hands-free.

"The glasses are 'designed to be noticed'," the spokesperson added.

"Every pair with a camera has a bright light on the front that flashes when you take a photo or video you can share with others."

They added: "If the glasses detect that the capture LED light was covered, physically tampered with, or destroyed, they'll automatically disable the camera.”