‘Emoji Flags Are Dead’: Unicode Halts Proposals For New Flags Of Any Category

Last year, we rounded off 2021 with the “tears with joy” and “red heart” emojis topping the most-used list. And following the introduction of three dozen new ones this month, The Unicode Consortium has announced it will begin accepting submissions for Emoji 16.0 proposals from April 4 through July 31. 

However, not all emojis will be accepted, with the global authority halting all proposals for new flags—of any category. The group said flag emojis have “always been subjected to special criteria,” due to their “open-ended nature, infrequent use, and burden on implementations.” 

Additionally, it pointed out the addition of a new flag emoji results in “exclusivity at the expense of others.” 

Despite being the largest category of emojis tied to identity, in which over 200 flags make up a large chunk of the 3,600 icons in total, they are the least used. Though Unicode did highlight that the rainbow flag—a symbol of LGBTQ+ pride—does see an above average rate of adoption.

Furthermore, it’s a nearly impossible task for the agency to add all the world’s flags into code, with there being more than 5,000 “valid” geographically-recognized regions. For example, each state in the US has its own flag, as does regions in Italy and provinces in Argentina. 

While The Unicode Consortium does recognize this may be disappointing news, as “flags often serve as a rallying cry to be seen, heard, recognized, and understood,” it has suggested using other emojis to represent identities. 

One such way is by using the different colored heart emojis as “building blocks” to express support for your country, sexual orientation, or even favorite sports team. 

Hence, the Emoji Subcommittee has decided to include pink, light blue, and gray heart emojis into the Unicode Standard, as these colors make up common gender flags, sexuality flags, regional flags, and sports franchises. The new inclusions will be available on devices sometime next year. 

Undoubtedly, users may question if flags of newly independent nations will no longer be added to the emoji database. In the case of formally recognized countries, the agency said no proposals are necessary, and that the emoji will be automatically added to the next version of the Unicode. 

Head here to submit your proposals for the next “hit” emoji. 

[via CNET and The Unicode Consortium, images via The Unicode Consortium]