Instagram has just announced new measures to prevent the spread on the social network of dick pics and nude photos. Here are the details provided by Meta.
Since the start of 2023, Meta and Instagram have been stepping up measures to enhance user security on their respective platforms. In February 2023, Mark Zuckerberg’s company launched a new tool called Take It Out. Via this database, Meta wants to put an end to the sharing of child pornography content on its social networks, but also on competing services.
And on June 27, 2023, the Menlo Park firm unveiled unprecedented measures to prevent dick pics and nude photos from being shared on Instagram. Today, users can send an unlimited number of DM requests, whether text or images. An open door to many abuses vis-à-vis users, many of whom receive unsolicited photos of “male attributes”.
Also to read : Instagram is finally catching up on TikTok by allowing Reels to be downloaded
First the invitation, then the messages
To put an end to these abusive practices, Instagram has decided to introduce a simple but effective barrier. Now, before you can talk to someone who doesn’t follow them, users will now need to send an invitation for permission to connect. People can send one invite at a time and can’t send any more until the recipient accepts it.
But that’s not all since Instagram will integrate an additional filter. In effect, these invites will be text only. In other words, the pigs of the web will not be able to send photos, videos, voice messages or make calls until the recipient has accepted their invitation to exchange. No unpleasant surprises in the invitations, apart from potentially hurtful or insulting text. It’s still better than a nasty dick pic.
As Instagram points out, these new tools are currently in the test phase. We do not yet know when they will be deployed on the stable version of the application. In a completely different area, the social network also wants to help teenagers manage their time. “We’re also exploring a solution on Instagram suggesting teens close the app if they’re scrolling through Reels overnight.” writes Meta on his blog.