Instagram Introduces Measures Against Sextortion Scams

Instagram is taking proactive steps to protect its users, particularly teens, from sextortion scams. The app is rolling out additional safety measures, including blurring potentially explicit DMs and providing informative notes to educate users about the risks of intimate sharing online.

For users under 18, Instagram will automatically blur DMs that are likely to contain nude images, accompanied by pop-up warnings about replying or sharing their own explicit content. This initiative aims to shield young users from exposure to inappropriate material and deter them from engaging in risky behaviors online.

While some may argue that refraining from sharing explicit content is common sense, Instagram recognizes the prevalence of doing so among younger generations. By enhancing in-app protections, the platform acknowledges the evolving norms and strives to safeguard vulnerable users from exploitation and harm.

Moreover, the app is developing new technology to identify accounts potentially involved in sextortion scams through tell-tale signals. The platform will also take action against accounts engaging in these activities, including reporting them to relevant authorities when necessary.

In addition, Instagram is expanding its partnership with Lantern – a program aimed at sharing signals about accounts and behaviors violating child safety policies. These collaborative efforts underscore Instagram’s commitment to creating a safer environment for its users, especially minors.

These new measures have wider implications as platforms increasingly seek to prioritize user safety. Other social apps may look into integrating similar safeguards into their user interface to actively combat abuse, and to improve trust and credibility with their users.

The initiative certainly represents progress for online safety and adds to the options available to Instagram users to stay safe. These currently include the Family Center oversight options for parents who want to keep an eye on their teens’ activity.

Learn more about Instagram’s safety updates here.