privated

Privated refers to the state of being made private, typically in the context of online services or personal information. When content or an account is "privated," it means that access to it is restricted to a select group of individuals or is no longer publicly visible. This is a common feature on social media platforms where users can choose to make their profiles, posts, photos, or videos private. This setting limits who can view their content, often allowing only approved followers or friends to see it.

The act of privating is often a conscious decision made by individuals to control their online presence and protect their personal information from wider audiences. It can be a way to manage privacy concerns, avoid unwanted attention, or share content only with a trusted circle. For example, a user might private their Instagram account if they are going through a personal event or simply prefer a more intimate online space.

In some cases, "privated" can also refer to an action taken by a platform or service itself. For instance, a video on a platform like YouTube might be "privated" by its uploader, meaning it will not appear in search results or on the channel page and can only be accessed through a direct link. This is distinct from deleting content, as the video still exists but its visibility is severely limited. The term "privated" is a straightforward descriptor of this restriction of access.