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

Last Updated on November 3, 2024 by Bharat Saini

Instagram, owned by Meta, is enhancing its privacy and safety tools to shield users from unwanted direct messages (DMs) containing inappropriate images or videos, including unsolicited nudes. After testing these features in June, the platform is rolling them out more broadly to improve user safety. These updates aim to protect individuals—especially women and teenagers—who frequently receive unwanted or harassing messages from strangers.

With the new tools, Instagram will filter DM requests that contain specific flagged terms or content, routing them to a hidden request folder. This is part of Instagram’s effort to prevent harassment and unsolicited explicit content.

Restrictions on Sending DMs to Non-Followers

Receiving a direct message on Instagram can be exciting, but unsolicited messages from strangers can be overwhelming or harmful. To curb harassment, Instagram is introducing two critical restrictions for DM requests from non-followers:

1. One Message Limit for Non-Followers: Previously, non-followers could send unlimited DM requests. Now, Instagram is restricting non-followers to sending a single message request. This reduces persistent or spammy messaging behaviour.
2. Text-Only DM Requests: Non-followers can only send text-based DM invites until the recipient accepts the request. Images, videos, and voice notes will only be allowed after the recipient agrees to the conversation.

These new restrictions are designed to cut down on persistent harassment and the transmission of inappropriate or explicit content. This is especially important for women, who are disproportionately affected by unsolicited nudes and harassment online. The update builds on Instagram’s existing safety features, which include tools like the “Hidden Words” setting, allowing users to filter comments and DMs for offensive language, emojis, and phrases.

Addressing Unwanted and Harmful Messages

With the increasing prevalence of spam, phishing attempts, and unsolicited explicit messages on Instagram, the platform has taken several measures to protect users from harm:

• Text-Only Invitations: Non-followers can now only send a single DM request via text. This feature aims to block unwanted images or videos from being sent until the recipient accepts the invitation, drastically reducing the risk of explicit content reaching users without their consent.

This update will curb inappropriate messages, spam, and phishing attempts. Spam messages often include malicious links that can lead to malware or other harmful content. By limiting DM requests to text-only until accepted, Instagram minimizes the risk of users falling victim to scams.

Enhanced “Hidden Words” Feature

Instagram is expanding its “Hidden Words” feature to give users more control over their direct messages and comments. This tool allows users to curate a list of words, phrases, or emojis they find offensive and automatically filter messages containing them into a hidden folder. Here’s how this feature works:

• Customizable Filters: Users can choose specific words or emojis they don’t want to appear in their DMs or comments, and Instagram will filter them into a hidden folder.
• Story Replies: Instagram is also expanding the functionality of “Hidden Words” to apply to replies on Stories, and the platform is working to support this feature in more languages.

These expanded protections aim to address not only harassment but also online hate, making it harder for abusive content to reach users. Instagram is also rolling out more vital warning messages when people attempt to post offensive comments on others’ content.

Strengthening User Limits

Instagram is also building on its “Limits” feature, shielding users from sudden spikes in unsolicited comments and DMs. With these updates, users will have more control over who can send them direct messages and can set limits on interactions from accounts that have violated the platform’s terms of service. This will provide an additional layer of protection against harassment and unwanted content.

For users who experience frequent unsolicited messages, Instagram’s Limits tool allows them to temporarily block interactions from non-followers or new accounts that may be explicitly created for spamming or harassment. This feature is especially helpful for public figures or those with large followings who may be targeted during increased visibility.

Impact of Instagram’s Safety Updates

These changes are significant for vulnerable groups, such as women and adolescents, who are more likely to experience online harassment. According to research conducted by the Pew Research Center, 41% of Americans have experienced some form of online harassment, with women disproportionately facing explicit and sexual content.

The new features are part of a broader trend across social media platforms to provide users with better tools to manage their online interactions. Platforms like Twitter and TikTok have also introduced features to reduce harassment and provide users with more control over who can contact them.

How to Enable These Safety Features

For users who want to take advantage of Instagram’s new safety tools, here are some steps to help protect your DMs and comments:

• Activating “Hidden Words”:
  1. Open the Instagram app and go to your profile.
  2. Tap on the three-line menu in the top right corner and select Settings.
  3. Under Privacy, find and choose Hidden Words.
  4. Customize your list of words, phrases, or emojis you want to filter.
• Using the “Limits” Feature:
  1. Go to Settings, then select Privacy.
  2. Tap on Limits, where you can restrict interactions from non-followers or accounts showing suspicious activity.

Conclusion

Instagram’s new safety features demonstrate the platform’s commitment to user protection by limiting unsolicited content in DMs, particularly for vulnerable users. The text-only DM invitations and “Hidden Words” filtering give users greater control over who can contact them and the type of content they see. As social media platforms evolve, these features represent a significant step toward creating a safer and more secure online environment.

For more details, Instagram users can visit Instagram’s Safety Center for official guides and tips on protecting their accounts.