Instagram Screenshot Ban to Safeguard Teens
In a significant move to protect young users, Instagram is rolling out new features aimed at combating sextortion and enhancing child safety on the platform. Following rising concerns about social media’s role in child safety, Instagram has announced a ban on screenshots and screen recordings of disappearing messages within direct chats. The initiative reflects Meta’s broader efforts to address increasing backlash and legal challenges in the U.S. concerning the safety of teens and children using its services.
Instagram Bans Screenshots of Disappearing Messages
Starting this week, users attempting to capture screenshots of disappearing messages within Instagram direct messages (DMs) will encounter a black screen. This feature is designed to prevent users from saving images meant to be viewed only once, providing an extra layer of protection. Additionally, if a sender permits a photo or video to be replayed, Instagram will ensure that the content cannot be accessed through web browsers, further securing the sender’s privacy.
While this measure stops direct screenshot attempts, it does not prevent someone from recording the content using an external device. Similar screenshot restrictions will also be implemented on Facebook Messenger.
New Features to Protect Against Sextortion
Meta, the parent company of Instagram, is introducing several new features to combat “sextortion,” a form of blackmail that involves using sexually explicit images to extort money from victims. Instagram will now alert users if a new account shows suspicious activity or other red flags, helping them identify potential risks.
Furthermore, the platform will work to prevent scam accounts from sending follow requests to young users. These requests will either be blocked entirely or moved to the recipient’s spam folder.
Meta is also activating a new nudity protection feature, which will be enabled for all Instagram users under 18. This feature will blur any nude photos sent to young users, accompanied by a warning message that alerts them about the content before they choose to open it.
Enhanced Parental Controls and Youth Protection
In September, Meta introduced “Teen Accounts,” a new feature aimed at offering more visibility for parents while ensuring enhanced safety for young users. The recent initiatives build on this foundation, setting teen accounts to private by default and limiting direct messaging so that young users can only receive messages from people they follow or have existing connections with.
Instagram will also introduce new measures to prevent users from lying about their age when setting up accounts. Teens who attempt to register with a false age will be required to verify their birthdate. Additionally, Meta is working on a new technology that proactively detects accounts pretending to be adults, automatically placing them in a restricted teen version of the app.
Efforts to Combat Online Harassment
Instagram’s commitment to safeguarding its young user base comes at a time when the company faces mounting pressure to address online harassment. By implementing these new protective features, Instagram aims to make its platform safer for teens and to reassure parents about their children’s safety online.
Meta’s recent updates underline its efforts to proactively address concerns related to child safety and digital well-being, offering more tools for both parents and users to control their online experience.
These measures indicate Meta’s strategic approach to regaining trust and protecting its younger audience from digital threats. With the screenshot ban and additional security layers, Instagram seeks to foster a safer, more secure environment for its users, especially the youth.
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