Instagram announces updates to safeguard users from abusive and unsuitable content

Instagram, a social networking site owned by Meta Platforms, announced it would improve capabilities that allow users to block abusive and troll accounts. The photo-sharing app, more widely used by teenagers and young adults than Meta’s Facebook, has intensified efforts to combat hate speech and online harassment on its platform.

By extending a function introduced last year that only permitted the barring of any new accounts they may create, all Instagram users will now be able to block all of a person’s existing accounts.

“Based on initial test results from this new change, we expect our community will need to block 4 million fewer accounts every week since these accounts will now be blocked automatically,” Instagram said in a blog post.

“We’ll continue to work on more ways to protect people from abuse on Instagram while encouraging supportive and respectful conversations,” the social networking giants added.

By screening objectionable phrases out of Stories replies, Instagram has also improved its function that helps shield users from potentially hostile messages. The social media platform also said that it is increasing “nudges” intended to protect creators from harassment.

“We’ve learned that there are cases where people mean well but may misjudge how their words could negatively impact others — especially when interacting online,” the blog post read. “We’ve started reminding people to be respectful in DMs when sending a message request to a creator. This nudge helps people remember that there’s a real person on the other side of their DM request and encourages more respectful outreach to people they may not know. We’re rolling out this reminder globally in the coming weeks.”

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