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{{CompanyCargo
{{CompanyCargo
| Description  = Imgur is a media company and image sharing platform - originally founded by Alan Schaaf, it is now bought and owned by MediaLab AI, Inc.
|Founded=2009
| Founded       = 2009
|Industry=Media Hosting
| Industry     = Media Hosting
|Logo=Imgur.svg
| Logo         = Imgur.svg
|ParentCompany=MediaLab AI, Inc.
| ParentCompany = MediaLab AI, Inc.
|Type=Private
| Type         = Private
|Website= https://imgur.com/
| Website       = https://imgur.com/
|Description=Imgur is a media company and image sharing platform - originally founded by Alan Schaaf, it is now bought and owned by MediaLab AI, Inc.
}}
}}
'''{{Wplink|Imgur}}''' is both a media company and image sharing platform turned social media platform founded by Alan Schaaf in 2009. The platform was initially intended to act as a format for users on [[Reddit]] to share images. It has been owned by MediaLab AI, Inc.<!--If this company gets an article, make sure to make a couple redirect pages to MediaLab with the following names:
'''{{Wplink|Imgur}}''' is both a media company and image sharing platform turned social media platform founded by Alan Schaaf in 2009. The platform was initially intended to act as a format for users on [[Reddit]] to share images. It has been owned by MediaLab AI, Inc.<!--If this company gets an article, make sure to make a couple redirect pages to MediaLab with the following names:
MediaLab
MediaLab
MediaLab AI--> since its acquisition in 2021.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021 |title=Celebrating Imgur's Next Chapter |url=https://imgur.com/gallery/celebrating-imgurs-next-chapter-We6yCM2 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.is/rPEUq |archive-date=2025-07-12 |access-date=2025-07-12 |website=imgur}}</ref>
MediaLab AI--> since its acquisition in 2021.<ref>{{Cite web |author= |title=Celebrating Imgur's Next Chapter |url=https://imgur.com/gallery/celebrating-imgurs-next-chapter-We6yCM2 |website=imgur |date=27 Sep 2021 |access-date=18 Mar 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251114090001/https://imgur.com/gallery/celebrating-imgurs-next-chapter-We6yCM2 |archive-date=14 Nov 2025}}</ref>


==Consumer impact summary==
==Consumer impact summary==
*User Freedom: Users can upload content to the platform, however it cannot be used as a content delivery network (CDN) as per their TOS,<ref name=":02">{{Cite web |date=November 28, 2022 |title=Imgur TOS |url=https://imgur.com/tos |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20230113071334/https://imgur.com/tos |archive-date=Jan 13, 2023 |access-date=March 3, 2025 |website=Imgur.com}}</ref> despite its initial purpose being as such.
*'''User freedom:''' Users can upload content to the platform, however it cannot be used as a content delivery network (CDN) as per their terms of service,<ref name=":02">{{Cite web |author= |title=Terms of Service |url=https://imgur.com/tos |website=imgur |date=28 Nov 2022 |access-date=3 Mar 2025 |url-status=dead |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20230113071334/https://imgur.com/tos |archive-date=13 Jan 2023}}</ref> despite its initial purpose being as such.
*User Privacy: Automatically collects device information, which includes device ID (for mobile devices), operating system, IP address. Uses technology such as tracking cookies to improve the "server's interaction with your device" alongside third-party advertisements.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Privacy Policy |url=https://imgur.com/privacy |access-date=13 Aug 2025 |website=Imgur}}</ref>
*'''User privacy:''' Automatically collects device information, which includes device ID (for mobile devices), operating system, and IP address. The company uses technology such as tracking [[Web cookie|cookies]] to improve the "server's interaction with your device" alongside third-party advertisements.<ref>{{Cite web |author= |title=Privacy Policy |url=https://imgur.com/privacy |website=imgur |date=22 Jan 2024 |access-date=13 Aug 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260222002112/https://imgur.com/privacy |archive-date=22 Feb 2026}}</ref>
*Business Model: Gain revenue via advertisements seen by consumers
*'''Business model:''' Imgur gains revenue via advertisements seen by consumers. Payment is provided by the companies which pay for advertising space on the website.
*Market Control: Limited competition
*'''Market control:''' There is limited competition in the web-empowered photo-sharing field, which allows Imgur to dominate.{{Citation needed}}


==Incidents==
==Incidents==
This is a list of all consumer protection incidents this company is involved in. Any incidents not mentioned here can be found in the [[:Category:{{FULLPAGENAME}}|{{PAGENAME}} category]].
This is a list of all consumer protection incidents this company is involved in. Any incidents not mentioned here can be found in the [[:Category:{{FULLPAGENAME}}|{{PAGENAME}} category]].
===Binding arbitration (Nov 28, 2022)===
Shortly after [[MediaLab]] acquired Imgur in 2022 they updated their TOS<ref name=":02" /> to include a [[Forced arbitration|binding arbitration]] notice:<blockquote>These Terms contain a binding arbitration provision and class action waiver terms. Unless you opt out or there is a suit in small claims court, you and we agree to submit disputes to a neutral arbitrator and not to sue in court in front of a judge or jury.</blockquote>


===Advertising overload<!--Cool source I found, not exactly relevant, but it was mentioned in one of the sources I used here:  https://web.archive.org/web/20180615183306/https://downloads.pagefair.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Adblocking-Goes-Mainstream.pdf-->===
===Advertising overload<!--Cool source I found, not exactly relevant, but it was mentioned in one of the sources I used here:  https://web.archive.org/web/20180615183306/https://downloads.pagefair.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Adblocking-Goes-Mainstream.pdf-->===
<blockquote>Further Reading: [[Advertising overload]]</blockquote>
[[File:Imgur ad overload.png|thumb|An example of how frequent advertisements are for users on Imgur. Via: https://imgur.com/gallery/too-many-ads-9vzuP7x]]
[[File:Ad_Overload_Imgur.png|thumb|An example of how frequent advertisements are for users on Imgur. Via: https://imgur.com/gallery/too-many-ads-9vzuP7x]]
While initially introduced as a method for keeping the platform up amid increasing server costs since the 2010s,<ref>{{Cite web |author= |title=About Ads on Imgur |url=https://blog.imgur.com/2016/04/04/ads-and-the-apps/ |website=imgur |date=4 Apr 2016 |access-date=5 Mar 2025 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160912072231/https://blog.imgur.com/2016/04/04/ads-and-the-apps/ |archive-date=12 Sep 2016}}</ref> for nearly a decade, users have been complaining about a large amount of advertisements on both the website and especially the mobile app.<ref>{{Cite web |author=yamamasyamaha |title=So many ads |url=https://imgur.com/gallery/so-many-ads-J39ioLs |website=imgur |date=1 Apr 2024 |access-date=18 Mar 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251113230134/https://imgur.com/gallery/so-many-ads-J39ioLs |archive-date=13 Nov 2025}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web |author=slinkiisu
While initially introduced as a method for keeping the platform up amid increasing server costs since the 2010s,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Imgur staff |date=Apr 4, 2016 |title=About Ads on Imgur |url=https://blog.imgur.com/2016/04/04/ads-and-the-apps/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160912072231/https://blog.imgur.com/2016/04/04/ads-and-the-apps/ |archive-date=Sep 12, 2016 |access-date=Mar 5, 2025 |work=Imgur blog}}</ref> for nearly a decade, users have been complaining about a large amount of advertisements on both the website and especially the mobile app.<ref>https://imgur.com/gallery/so-many-ads-J39ioLs</ref><ref name=":1">https://imgur.com/gallery/i-keep-getting-pop-ups-whole-browsing-on-phone-9kBpBWP</ref><ref>https://imgur.com/gallery/no-wonder-we-have-so-many-trouble-with-ads-on-imgur-NgB8lVO</ref>
|title=I keep getting pop-ups whole browsing on my phone |url=https://imgur.com/gallery/i-keep-getting-pop-ups-whole-browsing-on-phone-9kBpBWP |website=imgur |date=18 Nov 2023 |access-date=18 Mar 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251018021659/https://imgur.com/gallery/i-keep-getting-pop-ups-whole-browsing-on-phone-9kBpBWP |archive-date=18 Oct 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |author=DontCallMeMisterMark |title=No wonder we have so many trouble with ads on Imgur |url=https://imgur.com/gallery/no-wonder-we-have-so-many-trouble-with-ads-on-imgur-NgB8lVO |website=imgur |date=3 Aug 2024 |access-date=18 Mar 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251017200912/https://imgur.com/gallery/no-wonder-we-have-so-many-trouble-with-ads-on-imgur-NgB8lVO |archive-date=17 Oct 2025}}</ref>


Their negligence to also moderate advertisements has also led to ads of dubious quality to also be seen on both the website and mobile app.<ref>{{Cite news |last=arandompenguin |date=Jul 3, 2016 |title=Imgur and Ads: A Controversy |url=https://imgur.com/gallery/imgur-ads-controversy-8Mk43 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250305205210/https://imgur.com/gallery/imgur-ads-controversy-8Mk43 |archive-date=Mar 5, 2025 |access-date=Mar 4, 2025 |work=Imgur}}</ref> Additionally malicious advertisers historically took advantage of unmitigated JavaScript vulnerabilities to cause their advertisements to immediately redirect a user's browser to their website,<ref name=":1" /> with one user reporting being redirected to a phishing website.<ref>{{Cite web |last=BaldBandit |first= |date=Jul 2, 2016 |title=This is not acceptable. |url=https://imgur.com/gallery/this-is-not-acceptable-dMytYzc |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250305202630/https://imgur.com/gallery/this-is-not-acceptable-dMytYzc |archive-date=Mar 5, 2025 |access-date=Mar 5, 2025 |website=imgur}}</ref>
Their negligence to moderate advertisements has also led to ads of dubious quality to be seen on both the website and mobile app.<ref>{{Cite web |author=arandompenguin |title=Imgur and Ads: A Controversy |url=https://imgur.com/gallery/imgur-ads-controversy-8Mk43 |website=imgur |date=3 Jul 2016 |access-date=18 Mar 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250305205210/https://imgur.com/gallery/imgur-ads-controversy-8Mk43 |archive-date=5 Mar 2025}}</ref> Additionally malicious advertisers historically took advantage of unmitigated [[JavaScript]] vulnerabilities to cause their advertisements to immediately redirect a user's browser to their website,<ref name=":1" /> with one user reporting being redirected to a phishing website.<ref>{{Cite web |author=BaldBandit |title=This is not acceptable. |url=https://imgur.com/gallery/this-is-not-acceptable-dMytYzc |website=imgur |date=2 Jul 2016 |access-date=18 Mar 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250305202630/https://imgur.com/gallery/this-is-not-acceptable-dMytYzc |archive-date=5 Mar 2025}}</ref>


===Removal of anonymous images (2023)===
===Binding arbitration (''2021'')===
In April 2023, Imgur notified users they will start removing explicit pornographic images and ones uploaded anonymously on May 15.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Purdy |first=Kevin |date=Apr 20, 2023 |title=Hosting site Imgur will remove explicit and anonymous content next month |url=https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2023/04/hosting-site-imgur-will-remove-explicit-and-anonymous-content-next-month/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230420171637/https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2023/04/hosting-site-imgur-will-remove-explicit-and-anonymous-content-next-month/ |archive-date=Apr 20, 2023 |access-date=Mar 5, 2025 |work=Ars Technica}}</ref> The reason stated was due to these being "old, unused, and inactive content", though artistic nudity was not affected by these changes.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Moon |first=Mariella |date=Apr 20, 2023 |title=Imgur to ban explicit images and delete uploads not tied to an account |url=https://www.engadget.com/imgur-to-ban-explicit-images-and-delete-uploads-not-tied-to-an-account-122537118.html?guccounter=1 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241225023935/https://www.engadget.com/imgur-to-ban-explicit-images-and-delete-uploads-not-tied-to-an-account-122537118.html |archive-date=Dec 25, 2024 |access-date=Mar 5, 2025 |work=engadget}}</ref> Some users on [[Reddit]] mentioned this move as "a full [[Tumblr]]", with others calling Imgur "completely dead" after this change is implemented.<ref>{{Cite news |last=u/RamonaLittle |date=Apr 20, 2023 |title=Imgur has announced that they will be "removing old, unused, and inactive content that is not tied to a user account from our platform." This means that a *huge* number of images linked from reddit will become dead links. |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/TheoryOfReddit/comments/12tinfp/imgur_has_announced_that_they_will_be_removing/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230427010856/https://old.reddit.com/r/TheoryOfReddit/comments/12tinfp/imgur_has_announced_that_they_will_be_removing/ |archive-date=Apr 27, 2023 |access-date=Mar 5, 2025 |work=Reddit}}</ref>
Shortly after MediaLab acquired Imgur in 2021 they updated their TOS<ref name=":02" /> to include a [[Forced arbitration|binding arbitration]] notice:
<blockquote>These Terms contain a binding arbitration provision and class action waiver terms. Unless you opt out or there is a suit in small claims court, you and we agree to submit disputes to a neutral arbitrator and not to sue in court in front of a judge or jury.</blockquote>


===Child data usage (2025)===
===Removal of anonymous images (''2023'')===
On March 3, 2025, it was reported that Imgur, along with [[Reddit]] and [[TikTok]] were being investigated by the [[British Information Commissioner’s Office]] (ICO).<ref>{{Cite news |last=Landi |first=Martyn |date=Mar 3, 2025 |title=TikTok and others investigated over use of children’s data |url=https://www.irishexaminer.com/world/arid-41585470.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250305214845/https://www.irishexaminer.com/world/arid-41585470.html |archive-date=Mar 5, 2025 |access-date=Mar 5, 2025 |work=Irish Examiner |ref=Landi-2025-article-1}}</ref> [[Reddit]] and Imgur allegedly tailored the experience for children aged 13-17 by estimating or verifying their age.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Landi |first=Martyn |date=Mar 3, 2025 |title=TikTok, Reddit and Imgur investigated over the use of children's data |url=https://uk.news.yahoo.com/tiktok-reddit-imgur-investigated-over-092202216.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250305215130/https://consent.yahoo.com/v2/collectConsent?sessionId=2_cc-session_f472bd30-fd21-4964-be45-27dbac0d4610 |archive-date=Mar 5, 2025 |access-date=Mar 5, 2025 |work=Machester Evening News via Yahoo |ref=Landi-2025-article-2}}</ref><!--Note: Yahoos JS breaks IA, someone will need to likely use the extension for the Wayback machine for people to archive this URL!-->
In April 2023, Imgur notified users they would start removing explicit pornographic images and ones uploaded anonymously on 15 May 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Purdy |first=Kevin |title=Hosting site Imgur will remove explicit and anonymous content next month |url=https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2023/04/hosting-site-imgur-will-remove-explicit-and-anonymous-content-next-month/ |website=Ars Technica |date=20 Apr 2023 |access-date=18 Mar 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230420171637/https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2023/04/hosting-site-imgur-will-remove-explicit-and-anonymous-content-next-month/ |archive-date=20 Apr 2023}}</ref> The reason stated was due to these being "old, unused, and inactive content", though artistic nudity was not affected by these changes.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Moon |first=Mariella |title=Imgur to ban explicit images and delete uploads not tied to an account |url=https://www.engadget.com/imgur-to-ban-explicit-images-and-delete-uploads-not-tied-to-an-account-122537118.html |website=Engadget |date=20 Apr 2023 |access-date=18 Mar 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241225023935/https://www.engadget.com/imgur-to-ban-explicit-images-and-delete-uploads-not-tied-to-an-account-122537118.html |archive-date=25 Dec 2024}}</ref> Some users on [[Reddit]] mentioned this move as "a full Tumblr", with others calling Imgur "completely dead" after this change is implemented.<ref>{{Cite web |author=RamonaLittle |title=Imgur has announced that they will be "removing old, unused, and inactive content that is not tied to a user account from our platform." This means that a *huge* number of images linked from reddit will become dead links. |url=https://old.reddit.com/r/TheoryOfReddit/comments/12tinfp/imgur_has_announced_that_they_will_be_removing/ |website=[[Reddit]] |date=20 Apr 2023 |access-date=18 Mar 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230427010856/https://old.reddit.com/r/TheoryOfReddit/comments/12tinfp/imgur_has_announced_that_they_will_be_removing/ |archive-date=27 Apr 2023}}</ref>


===Mass layoffs damaging functionality===
===Child data usage (''2025'')===
When the platform was bought out by [[MediaLab AI, Inc.|MediaLab]], it faced multiple rounds of mass layoffs in the years since.{{Citation needed}} This has led to users on the platform facing features frequently breaking, and with the firing of its community management in July 2025,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Nelson |first=Travis |date=Aug 26, 2025 |title=A little story about a site called Imgur. |url=https://bsky.app/profile/sigirides.bsky.social/post/3lxcjdm7ouk2v |access-date=Aug 30, 2025 |website=BlueSky}}</ref> the platform additionally had its transparency eliminated, eventually causing mass-revolts in late August 2025, when the notification feature on the platform was left non-functioning for 3 days.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Washenko |first=Anna |date=Aug 25, 2025 |title=Imgur protest covers the front page in anti-MediaLab memes |url=https://www.engadget.com/apps/imgur-protest-covers-the-front-page-in-anti-medialab-memes-225502091.html |access-date=Aug 26, 2025 |work=Engadget}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite news |last=Galt |first=Matthew |date=Aug 28, 2025 |title=Imgur's Community Is In Full Revolt Against Its Owner |url=https://www.404media.co/imgurs-community-is-in-full-revolt-against-its-owner/ |access-date=Aug 30, 2025 |work=404 Media}}</ref> Instead of communicating with the community about the problem, the remaining moderation instead punished users on the platform.<ref name=":0" /> Protest content published to platform has ranged from images of John Oliver to not safe for work content.<ref name=":0" />
On 3 March 2025, it was reported that Imgur, along with [[Reddit]] and [[TikTok]] were being investigated by the British Information Commissioner's Office (ICO).<ref name="Landi-2025-article-1">{{Cite web |last=Landi |first=Martyn |title=TikTok and others investigated over use of children's data |url=https://www.irishexaminer.com/world/arid-41585470.html |website=Irish Examiner |date=3 Mar 2025 |access-date=18 Mar 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250305214845/https://www.irishexaminer.com/world/arid-41585470.html |archive-date=5 Mar 2025}}</ref> [[Reddit]] and Imgur allegedly tailored the experience for children aged 13-17 by estimating or verifying their age.<ref name="Landi-2025-article-2">{{Cite web |last1=Landi |first1=Martyn |last2=Grimsditch |first2=Lee |title=TikTok, Reddit and Imgur investigated over the use of children's data |url=https://uk.news.yahoo.com/tiktok-reddit-imgur-investigated-over-092202216.html |website=[[Yahoo!]] |date=3 Mar 2025 |access-date=18 Mar 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250404222138/https://uk.news.yahoo.com/tiktok-reddit-imgur-investigated-over-092202216.html |archive-date=4 Apr 2025}}</ref>
===Mass layoffs damaging functionality (''2025'')===
When Imgur was acquired by MediaLab, it subsequently underwent significant staff cuts, including layoffs affecting its human moderation and other operations teams.<ref name="Washenko-Engadget">{{Cite web |last=Washenko |first=Anna |title=Imgur protest covers the front page in anti-MediaLab memes |url=https://www.engadget.com/apps/imgur-protest-covers-the-front-page-in-anti-medialab-memes-225502091.html |website=Engadget |date=25 Aug 2025 |access-date=18 Mar 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260113232937/https://www.engadget.com/apps/imgur-protest-covers-the-front-page-in-anti-medialab-memes-225502091.html |archive-date=13 Jan 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |author=msmash |title=Imgur's Community Is In Full Revolt Against Its Owner |url=https://tech.slashdot.org/story/25/08/28/1816210/imgurs-community-is-in-full-revolt-against-its-owner |website=Slashdot |date=28 Aug 2025 |access-date=18 Mar 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250918053650/https://tech.slashdot.org/story/25/08/28/1816210/imgurs-community-is-in-full-revolt-against-its-owner |archive-date=18 Sep 2025}}</ref> This has led to users on the platform facing features frequently breaking, and with the firing of its community management in July 2025,{{Citation needed}} the platform additionally had its transparency eliminated, eventually causing mass-revolts in late August 2025, when the notification feature on the platform was left non-functioning for three days.<ref name="Washenko-Engadget" /><ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Gault |first=Matthew |title=Imgur's Community Is In Full Revolt Against Its Owner |url=https://www.404media.co/imgurs-community-is-in-full-revolt-against-its-owner/ |url-access=subscription |website=404 Media |date=28 Aug 2025 |access-date=18 Mar 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260206183519/https://www.404media.co/imgurs-community-is-in-full-revolt-against-its-owner/ |archive-date=6 Feb 2026}}</ref> Instead of communicating with the community about the problem, the remaining moderation instead punished users on the platform.<ref name=":0" /> Protest content published to platform ranged from images of John Oliver to not-safe-for-work ({{Wplink|NSFW}}) content.<ref name=":0" />


==See also==
==See also==
*[[MediaLab AI, Inc.]]
*[[Reddit]]
*[[Reddit]]
*[[Social media platform]]<!--If made, include "Social media" as redirect to that page-->


==References==
==References==
<references />
{{Reflist}}
 
[[Category:{{PAGENAME}}]]
[[Category:{{PAGENAME}}]]
[[Category:Companies]]
[[Category:Companies using forced arbitration clauses]]
Retrieved from "https://consumerrights.wiki/w/Imgur"