Instagram has announced a series of new safety features aimed at protecting users from sextortion scammers. It will significantly enhance the platform’s security measures.
Screenshot Restrictions on Ephemeral Content
One of the most notable changes is Instagram’s decision to prevent users from screenshotting or screen recording ephemeral images or videos sent in private messages. Previously, users could take screenshots of ephemeral content in Instagram DMs. However, the sender will receive the notification. With the new update, when users send photos or videos using the “view once” or “allow replay” features, recipients will no longer have the ability to save the content. Additionally, users cannot open these images and videos on the desktop. As a result, it reinforces the platform’s commitment to safety.
Instagram Enhancements for Teen Accounts
These new features complement the recent launch of Teen Accounts. In addition, it will automatically enroll young users into an experience with built-in protections. Teen Accounts restrict messaging to only those users they follow. However, it still allows follow-up requests from anyone. Instagram is also making it more difficult for suspicious accounts to request to follow teens; depending on the perceived risk of the account, users may block or send follow requests to a teen’s spam folder.
Safety Notices for Teens
As part of the new updates, Instagram will roll out safety notices within DMs to alert teens when chatting with someone who may reside in a different country. This measure aims to counteract the tactics used by sextortion scammers who frequently misrepresent their location to gain trust.
Instagram Protecting User Privacy
To further safeguard teens, Instagram will prevent accounts exhibiting suspicious behavior from accessing followers and following lists. In addition, these accounts will not be able to view tagged photos or see who liked someone’s post.
Global Nudity Protection Feature
Instagram is fully rolling out its nudity protection feature. Additionally, it will automatically blur images containing nudity in DMs. Teen users can enable this feature by default. Further, senders will receive information about the risks of sharing private images.
Instagram Partnership with Crisis Text Line
To enhance support within the app, Instagram is partnering with Crisis Text Line in the U.S. Users who report issues related to child safety or sextortion will now have the option to connect with a crisis counselor for further assistance.
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Legislative Pressure and Educational Efforts
These changes come in response to previous scrutiny from lawmakers regarding the platform’s safety measures for young users. As part of its ongoing efforts to combat sextortion, Instagram will begin displaying an educational video about sextortion scammers to teens in the U.S., U.K., Australia, and Canada. The social network is also collaborating with influencers like Bella Poarch and Brent Rivera to create informative content on recognizing and responding to sextortion threats.
