Instagram Update For User Safety
One of the biggest issues that we constantly see on social media is to do with the protection of it’s younger users. However when it comes to this we are seeing changes evolving within these platforms to counter these issues. Instagram have recently released an update aligning with making a safer community to ensure the protection of it’s younger users. Looking to learn more about the latest Instagram update? Then check out the below!
Age Identification
A part of Instagram’s terms are relevant to the age of the user. One example being, in order to use the platform, it’s users must be at least 13 years of age. However it’s pretty obvious users aren’t always honest when it comes to inputting their actual age.
Age verification is incredibly complex and whilst it is advancing, it will likely be a very long time before there is an effective/accurate method of age identification in place. However Instagram has announced that they are in the stages of developing new AI and machine learning technology to assist them in successfully identifying a user’s age. This will then allow the platform to apply new features based on user demographic to be more age appropriate.
Some of these age appropriate features being…
DM Restriction
This new feature means that there will be prevention’s in place when it comes to adults messaging users under the age of 18 who do not follow them. When a user above the age of 18 tries to message another user under 18, who does not currently follow them, they will be met with a notification informing them that direct message is not an option.
Safety Prompts
In addition to the above, Instagram is going to start adding safety prompts and cautions for teens in existing conversations with adults who start exhibiting suspicious behavior.
An example used within Instagram’s announcement being “if an adult is sending a large amount of friend or message requests to people under 18.” Should behavior like this occur, Instagram will use tools to alert the percipient via their DMs, giving them the option to end the conversation, block, report or restrict the user.
Making It More Difficult For Adults To Follow Teens
Instagram will be looking into more ways as to how they can make it more difficult for adult users to follow teens within the platform, particularly those who have been triggering any suspicious behavior. One of the potential options relating to the prevention of these users discovering teens in the first place by hiding/limiting what can be seen in both “suggested users,” and the explore page, as well as automatically hiding said users comments on public posts published by teens.
Instagram Will Start Encouraging Under Age Users To Make Their Accounts Private
Instagram has added an additional step to the sign up process for users who input their age to be younger than 18. This being the option to choose between a public and private account, as well as providing them with information regarding the settings.
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Keep up to date with Instagram’s latest announcements via their blog!
