Instagram to censor sensitive content on your feed

The app is also adding a long awaited security feature


Tech Desk March 24, 2017
A most popular Instagram page is displayed on a mobile device screen in Pasadena, California August 14, 2013. PHOTO: REUTERS

Photo-sharing app Instagram on Thursday announced a major change to how it deals with posts that contain sensitive content.

The photo-sharing app will now be blurring images that have been deemed 'sensitive'.

“Soon you may notice a screen over sensitive photos and videos when you scroll through your feed or visit a profile,” said Instagram co-founder & CEO Kevin Systrom in a blog post. “While these posts don’t violate our guidelines, someone in the community has reported them and our review team has confirmed they are sensitive.”

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However, users will still be able to see the post with a covered screen. In order to see the post, users simply need to tap it.



The Facebook-owned photo-sharing app, however, didn't specify what type of content it might be censoring. It seems that the company is hoping to use the new 'sensitive' filter as a kind of compromise when some users find a post disturbing. "This change means you are less likely to have surprising or unwanted experiences in the app," said Systrom.

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Further, the Instagram CEO revealed that the app is opening two-factor authentication for everyone. Although the two-step security feature was introduced earlier, but for some reason it hadn't opened for everyone. “This tool adds an extra layer of security to your Instagram account by requiring a code every time you log in,” he added.



In order to activate the security feature, simply tap the gear icon on your profile and choose Two-Factor Authentication to turn it on.

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