The Unicode Consortium announced that it would no longer accept new flag emojis because of some reasons. The non-profit organization explained that these text icons could be quite troublesome if people don't use them properly.
A person holds an iPhone showing emojis in Hong Kong, on October 30, 2019. - Apple has put out new gender neutral emojis of most of its people icons -- including punks, clowns and zombies -- as part of an update to its mobile operating system. The tech giant has offered growing numbers of inclusive designs in recent years, putting out a range of skin tones and occupations.
"There is one particular type of emoji for which the Unicode Consortium will no longer accept proposals. Flag emoji of any category," said the corporation.
As of the moment, the Emoji 16.0 submissions will still accept new emojis from Apr. 4 until July 31. But, with the latest announcement, the flag icon will not be one of them.
Unicode Now Rejects New Flag Emojis
The Unicode Consortium explained that flag emojis are the least-used text icons that are currently active, saying that consumers don't really use them on social media that often, as reported by Engadget.
In this photo illustration, the two new care emojis which show support for the fight against Coronavirus, in Facebook and Messenger are displayed on the screen of an iPhone on April 17, 2020, in Arlington, Virginia. - The care Facebook emoji (L) will start appearing in Facebooks main app next week. Messenger's emoji will appear from April 17, 2020. (Photo by Olivier DOULIERY / AFP)
Also Read: Google is Releasing a More Inclusive Handshake Emoji, Includes Multi-Skin Tone Options
Aside from usage, Unicode added that flag emojis could be too political. The non-profit corporation explained that these icons have always been criticized because of their infrequent usage and their open-ended nature.
Although this is the case, the organization clarified that they would not remove the current flag emojis. But, they might do so if used to create political disruption.
The warning of Unicode applies to all. This means that you, as a consumer, also need to be careful when using these flag emojis since they can have different meanings to other people.
Flag Emoji Fun Facts
Although they are not used that often, flag emojis cover the largest category in the current text icons approved by Unicode Consortium.
More than 200 out of 3,600 emojis are flag icons. On the other hand, the LGBTQ flag's availability is another fun fact for these controversial text icons.
Aside from these, flag emojis were first used to allow people to know what other individuals are grabbing for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. If you want to know more about flag icons, you can visit Unicode Consortium's official blog post.
Back in 2020, COVID-19-themed emojis were launched to allow people to express themselves during the pandemic.
On the other hand, Apple's iOS 12 received more than 70 new emojis in 2018 to celebrate World Emoji Day.
For more news updates about flag emojis and other related topics, always keep your tabs open here at TechTimes.
Related Article: Facebook Messenger's Soundmojis Let You Listen to Emojis
This article is owned by TechTimes
Written by: Griffin Davis
