Instagram has announced that they will be rolling out new tools to combat “sextortion,” a form of blackmail that targets individuals with intimate pictures. One of the main features of this new tool is “nudity protection,” which automatically blurs naked images in direct messages.
The platform plans to turn this feature on by default for users under the age of 18, in an effort to protect young people from falling victim to sextortion. In addition to blurring images, Instagram will also trial pop-ups that will direct potential victims to support resources.
Sextortion has become a growing concern for governments around the world, with cases of victims being coerced into sending nude photos under the threat of having their images shared publicly. Criminal gangs are often behind these schemes, using sophisticated tactics to extort money from their victims.
Instagram’s nudity protection system, powered by artificial intelligence, aims to detect nude images in direct messages and gives users the choice whether to view them or not. The company assures that the system is designed to protect users from scammers who may attempt to trick them into sending their own photos in return.
While the system is opt-in for adults and does not automatically report nude images, users will be reminded that they can block and report accounts if needed. The platform is also implementing measures to detect potential sextortionists and make it harder for them to interact with others.
In cases where a user has interacted with an account involved in sextortion, Instagram will test pop-up messages that offer expert advice and support. The company also plans to share more data to combat sextortion and child abuse with other tech firms through an initiative called Lantern.
The announcement from Instagram comes as WhatsApp, another Meta platform, reduces its minimum age in the UK and Europe from 16 to 13. While WhatsApp argues that users, including teenagers, have control over their interactions, some advocacy groups have criticized the decision, citing concerns about exposure to harmful content.
Overall, Instagram’s new measures to combat sextortion and protect users from online exploitation are a step in the right direction. By leveraging technology and collaborating with other platforms, the company is taking proactive steps to ensure the safety of its users online.
