Instagram aims to keep its users safe and is frequently seen launching new features for the same. With respect to the same, the photo-sharing app has now introduced new features, specifically for youngsters so that they remain safe from suspicious people. Also Read - Pakistan blocks Facebook, Twitter and other social media apps until 3 pm
The new Instagram features for youth safety will be rolled out this month. Read on to know more about the Facebook-owned app’s efforts on the same. Also Read - Instagram to let users choose if they want to hide 'Likes' on their posts
Instagram’s safety features for youngsters
Instagram, via a blog post, revealed a new feature that will restrict adults from DM’ing youngsters if the latter doesn’t follow the former. If an adult tries to do the same, he or she will receive a prompt suggesting that the message can’t be sent. Also Read - Instagram brings Ramadan-themed stickers: Here's how to use them on Stories
It is suggested that this feature works on the basis of machine learning algorithms that detect a person’s age entered while signing up.
Image: Instagram
Apart from helping teenagers stay away from strangers, Instagram will also help them stay aware of the people they are connected with. Youngsters will now get Safety notices if they receive direct messages from people deemed to be exhibiting ‘suspicious behaviour.’ This feature will allow users below 18 to end, block, report, or restrict conversations with such people if needed.
Furthermore, a new feature will be introduced in the coming weeks that will make it difficult for adults to search for teenagers. This may restrict people with suspicious behaviour from seeing teenagers in the ‘Suggested Users’ section, which will also prevent them from searching content from the teens.
More features!
Instagram will also soon introduce new artificial intelligence tech so that people joining the photo-sharing app enters the right age, which is expected to be 13 or above. This will help teenagers remain safe on the app and help Instagram provide them with age-appropriete features.
Image: Instagram
Additionally, Instagram will also encourage teens to keep their profiles private. Users under 13 will be sent a notification if they set their accounts as public. The notification will detail why it is important to keep the account private.
