Instagram has implemented a new feature to combat child sexual exploitation on its platform. The social media giant will automatically blur nudity in direct messages as part of its efforts to protect young people from sexual scams and image abuse. The move comes in response to growing criticism and pressure on social media platforms to do more to safeguard young users.
Sexual extortion, also known as sextortion, is a prevalent issue where victims are coerced into sending explicit photos of themselves. Criminals then threaten to expose the images unless they receive money or sexual favors in return. Tragically, some cases have resulted in suicide or kidnapping. Instagram’s new initiative aims to make it harder for sexual predators and online criminals to contact teenagers through direct messaging.
The nudity blur feature will apply only to Instagram and not to other Meta apps like Facebook or WhatsApp. It will automatically blur any images with nudity in direct messaging, discouraging users from sending explicit photos. Under-18s will have the feature activated by default, while adult users will receive a notification encouraging them to activate it for their protection. The feature also includes a warning for nude images, an option to view or block and report the chat, and the ability to un-send sent images.
However, critics argue that the feature does not go far enough. Arturo Béjar, a former engineering director at Instagram, emphasizes the need for tools to protect recipients of unwanted advances. He asserts that unwanted advances aimed at teenagers are frequent, with internal research showing that around 1 in 8 experiences them weekly. Mr. Béjar insists that significant changes can only occur when teens can openly report unwanted advances with adequate transparency.
The White House has also expressed concern over sexual exploitation online. President Joe Biden believes that more can be done by social media companies to combat this issue. Attorneys general in 33 states have sued Instagram over allegations of repeatedly misleading the public about the dangers of its platform.
Instagram has taken additional measures to prevent criminals from connecting with young people. It plans to hide the “message” button on a teenager’s profile to potential sextortion accounts, even if they already follow each other. The platform is also working on technology to identify accounts engaged in sexual extortion scams based on various signals.
The FBI has reported a significant increase in sextortion cases targeting children, including financial sextortion where victims are threatened with public exposure unless they pay the perpetrator. While boys aged 14 to 17 are the primary targets, children of any age are at risk. From October 2022 to March 2023, reported cases of financial sextortion involving young minors increased by more than 20% compared to the previous year.
In conclusion, Instagram’s implementation of nudity blurring in direct messages is a step towards protecting young people from sexual exploitation and image abuse. While it has been met with both praise and criticism, the platform’s efforts reflect the growing demand for social media companies to prioritize the safety of their users, particularly vulnerable teenagers. As technology continues to evolve, it is crucial that platforms like Instagram remain vigilant in their fight against online predators and work towards creating a safer digital environment for all.
