Instagram has announced the development of a new feature intended to automatically blur nude photos in direct messages aimed at safeguarding teenagers. The feature will be automatically enabled for teens under 18, and adults will receive a notification encouraging them to activate it.
When nudity protection is enabled, individuals who attempt to send images containing nudity will receive a message reminding them to exercise caution when sending sensitive photos. They will also be informed that they can retract the submission if they change their mind.
When an individual receives an image containing nudity, it will automatically be blurred, allowing the recipient to choose whether or not to view it. A message will also appear, encouraging them to refrain from feeling obligated to respond, along with options to block and report. Furthermore, if someone attempts to forward a nude photo they’ve received, they will receive a message encouraging them to reconsider.
During the six months from October 2022 to March 2023, the FBI observed a rise of over 20% in reports of sextortion involving minor victims compared to the corresponding period in 2022.
The platform is currently testing the new feature as part of a campaign to combat sextortion and other forms of “photo abuse,” aiming to make it more difficult for criminals to communicate with teenagers.
Sextortion involves blackmailing individuals into sending photos and then threatening to publish them for profit or sexual favors. Instagram and other social media companies have faced criticism for not taking adequate measures to protect minors from such exploitation.
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