The new Instagram tool will automatically filter DM requests containing offensive words, phrases, and emoji, to prevent recipients from seeing the original messages
Instagram has said it has added new features to combat hate speech and offensive content on its platform. The photo sharing platform will focus on protecting its billions of users from explicit malicious messages (DM) and blocking abusers from the app.
The Facebook-based app has faced criticism for allowing hateful content to flourish on its platform. The company said it had cut pieces of hate speech, including DMs, between July and September last year. Last year, it began using artificial intelligence (AI) to warn users before posting harmful ideas.
The new Instagram tool will automatically filter DM requests containing offensive words, phrases, and emoji, to prevent recipients from seeing messages in the first place. Users will have the option to open the filter under 'hidden names' in the privacy settings, the company said in a statement.
The photo-sharing platform has worked with a number of anti-bullying and anti-apartheid organizations to include offensive names. Users will also be able to make their own list of words they wish to see. Once filtered, messages will be moved to a separate hidden applications folder, allowing users to report or block the sender.
Over the next few weeks, Instagram will also allow users to block certain accounts and pre-block new ones. This will prevent abusers from contacting the user through multiple accounts, the company said.
Additionally, Instagram will also hide offensive spelling words in a list of comment filters, to prevent users from seeing them.
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