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Published 19:43 IST, October 10th 2020

Facebook flags Walla Walla onions ad as 'overtly sexualized', internet in splits

Facebook blocked the onion advertisement for the St John's, Newfoundland company, citing the product as content propagating nudity as it issued 'warnings'.

Reported by: Zaini Majeed
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In a comical event, Facebook’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) recognized onions as an “overtly sexualized” product in a listing and dispatched a warning to The Seed Company by E.W.Gaze for their Walla Walla Onion advert on Facebook. The platform blocked the onion advertisement for the St John's, Newfoundland company, citing the product as 'content propagating nudity'. However, the Seed company clarified in a post that their Walla Walla onions were, in fact, unpeeled, sweet flavoured, and had just about a few sliced wicker baskets, adding, it shall be no reason for Facebook to flag the ad as ‘nude content’. 

“Can you see it?” The company asked online, Sharing a still of the Facebook advertisement of the Walla Walla onions. “So we just got notified by Facebook that the photo used for our Walla Walla Onion seed is ‘Overtly Sexual’ and cannot be advertised on the platform,” the post read.

Jackson McLean, the manager at The Seed Company told US’ CBC that the shape of the onions must have been misconstrued, adding, the onions were perfectly round. Criticizing the AI, the manager reportedly said that the site needed to review the ban and that it was strange something sexual could be derived out of it. However, Facebook constantly issued warning to the Newfoundland-based company that it was violating the community standards by running explicit content ad online. 

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Netizens worried about 'eggplant season'

“Honestly, I see it as a work of art,” a commenter opined. “we better keep the tomatoes away from the carrots mentioned above,” suggested another. “I don't know man,” said another, at loss for words. “What will happen when Eggplant season rolls around?” Asked one other. “I guess I’ll need to cover up my garden now,” wrote another. In a subsequent post, the firm informed sharing the screengrab that Facebook had apologized for the misunderstanding, and had agreed that the onions complied with the commerce policies, and the ad was live. Meanwhile, a user enquired whether he was allowed to advertise asparagus. 

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Updated 19:43 IST, October 10th 2020