Snapchat removes Asian filter criticized as racist

Snapchat said the filter was meant to be “playful” and “anime-inspired.”

Users are calling it “racist” and an example of “yellowface.” It gives people squinty eyes, blushing cheeks and — according to some critics — buck teeth.

And it’s not the first time the social media smartphone application has been criticized for racist filters. But it is the first time backlash prompted Snapchat to remove a filter.

“Lenses are meant to be playful and never to offend,” Snapchat said in a statement that said the filter would be permanently removed.

Filters are used in Snapchat to make users look different. Some less controversial examples include a fun-house mirror effect to warp features, face-swapping or making users look old.

Just months ago, Snapchat introduced a Bob Marley filter that gave users Marley’s well-known red, yellow and green hat, dreads and skin tone. Users immediately called the filter an example of digital blackface and cultural appropriation, but Snapchat did not remove the filter. It was a temporary filter for April 20, an unofficial holiday celebrating the consumption of marijuana.

Snapchat has also been accused of lightening people’s skin in “beautifying” filters. Those filters remain on the application.

The company has repeatedly declined to disclose the demographics of its employees.

This story was originally published August 11, 2016 at 9:47 AM with the headline "Snapchat removes Asian filter criticized as racist."