L’Apps on Instagram is working on a way to protect users from receiving nude photos not required in their private messages. Just in these days, in fact, Meta has confirmed to The Verge that the function is under development, after that Alessandro Paluzzi shared a preview image of the feature.
Instagram: App adds options to defend users from nude photos
Meta is working on optional user controls for the Instagram App – still in the early stages of development – which will help users protect themselves from nude photos and others unwanted messages. From what was reported, the company compared these controls to the “Hidden words“, Which allows users to automatically filter direct message requests containing offensive content. “We are working closely with experts to ensure these new features preserve people’s privacy by giving them control over the messages they receive,” he said. Liz Fernandez, Meta spokesperson, regarding the impossibility for the company to access these messages. Beyond this, however, Meta has not provided further information regarding the new function of the Instagram App.
What matters, in any case, is that the platform is continuing to improve the functions to protect users. The cyberflashing – that is, sending unsolicited sexual messages to strangers, often women, online – has become a somewhat worrying issue. And it could even become a criminal offense in the UK if Parliament passes the online safety bill. If that were the case, it would be a unique case, as elsewhere it is not recognized as harassment at all. This makes the problem even more evident, so it’s no surprise that the Instagram app is trying to contain cyberflashing episodes as much as possible.