Instagram Introduces New Safety Features to Combat Sextortion Scams
Instagram has rolled out new safety features aimed at tackling sextortion scams and enhancing the protection of teenagers on the popular social media platform. The platform, owned by Meta, has employed technology to identify signs of scam activity and restrict the ability of these accounts to interact with teenage users. This move comes as a proactive step to safeguard vulnerable individuals from falling victim to exploitation.
Sextortion scams typically involve criminals targeting young adults and teenagers worldwide, threatening to expose private images unless their demands are met. Recognising the severity of these incidents, Instagram is taking measures to prevent such exploitation. One of the key developments is restricting accounts engaged in scam behaviour from accessing the “Following” and “Follower” lists of potential targets, thereby reducing their capacity to manipulate victims through these channels.
Moreover, Instagram is implementing measures to prevent the unauthorized capturing of ephemeral images or videos shared within messages. By prohibiting direct screenshotting or screen recording, the platform aims to eliminate avenues for scammers to obtain compromising content without consent. Additionally, users will now be unable to view “View once” or “Allow replay” media on Instagram web, deterring attempts to circumvent protections against illicit recording.
In a bid to further enhance safety, Instagram is introducing nudity protection filters for direct messaging, particularly benefitting users under 18 years old. These filters will obscure images containing nudity and caution users about the potential risks associated with sending such content. In parallel with these technical enhancements, a video campaign will be launched on the platform to educate young Instagram users on identifying sextortion scams.
This initiative builds on the recent introduction of Teen Accounts on Instagram, which enforces robust default safety settings for users under 16, alongside comprehensive parental controls. By combining technological enhancements with educational outreach, Instagram aims to empower users to navigate the digital landscape safely and confidently.
These new safety features underscore Instagram’s commitment to fostering a secure online environment and mitigating risks associated with malicious online activities. Through a proactive approach centred on user protection and empowerment, the platform seeks to fortify its defenses against evolving threats, thereby promoting a safer and more secure online community for all users.