Instagram Rolls Out New Feature to Protect Users From Unwanted Images and Videos in DMs

Instagram is rolling out a new feature to protect users from unwanted images and videos in DMs. The company first began testing the tool in June.

The update aims to prevent DMs with inappropriate photos and videos from strangers, especially those containing unsolicited nudes. With the new features, Instagram will filter out DM requests that contain certain terms and add them to a hidden request folder.

Sending DMs to Non-Followers

Getting a direct message from someone on Instagram is an honor, but it can also be overwhelming. You want to respond quickly, but you don’t want to skip over the details or make the mistake of sending an overly casual response.

In June, Instagram began testing a new feature to curb unwanted messages. This new tool will impose two essential restrictions for people seeking to slide into others’ DMs.

First, DM requests from non-followers will now be limited to one instead of an unlimited number of messages. Additionally, DM invites will only be able to send images, videos, or voice notes once the recipient accepts the request.

These restrictions are designed to eliminate persistent messaging and the transmission of explicit content, especially for women who frequently receive unsolicited nudes in their DMs. They also aim to improve overall user safety and bolster Instagram’s existing security features, which include a “Hidden Words” setting that filters comments or DMs for offensive words, phrases, or emojis.

Text-Only Invites

Instagram has rolled out a new feature that should safeguard users from unwanted nudes and other explicit media. The photo-sharing app is now limiting the ability of people who do not follow an individual to send multiple messages and DM invites. People who do not follow a user can only message that person once and only via text. Similarly, DM requests are restricted to text messages and can only continue when the individual accepts an invite to chat.

This is expected to help curb spam messages, scams and phishing attempts. Spam messages typically promote products or services and often contain links that lead to malware sites.

The feature builds on Instagram’s existing safeguards designed to protect users from abuse and unwanted communication. These include a ‘Hidden Words’ setting that automatically routes DM requests containing offensive words, phrases and emojis to a secret folder. Instagram also has a ‘Limits’ function that shields users from sudden spikes in unsolicited comments and DM requests.

Hidden Words

Instagram is tackling the issue of online hate with new anti-harassment measures. It’s expanding its ‘Hidden Words’ option so that users can curate a list of words they don’t want to see in comments or DMs and have it automatically filter those into a hidden folder. It’s also making it available for stories replies and adding support in more languages.

The company is also starting to show stronger warning messages right away when someone posts a potentially offensive comment on other people’s content. This is a change from previous policy where Instagram would only alert people that their comment may have been misinterpreted or offensive.

In the meantime, Instagram is also bringing its Hidden Words feature to Message Requests and improving its ability to detect offensive emojis that might be missed by other filters. Message requests that are filtered into a hidden folder will be stored under the Requests tab in the app, where you can view them but won’t receive notifications for them.

Limits

Meta-owned Instagram is expanding its suite of user safety tools, implementing new ways to prevent unwanted content in direct messages. These updates include DM restrictions for non-followers and text-only invitations to conversations, as well as the ability to block accounts that have violated terms of service or community policies.

This will help to protect people from spammers and other malicious users who badger others with unsolicited messages, such as nudes or other explicit content. It’s an important update that will also help safeguard women, who are particularly susceptible to online harassment and abuse, as well as adolescents.

However, if you’re worried that your account is being limited by Instagram, try to slowly increase your likes and comments on posts each day. This will cause the platform to recognize your activity as normal and may allow you to take more actions without being restricted. If you still experience issues, consider reporting it to the support team.