New Twitter filter deletes nudes from messages

Plugin was developed Kelsey Bressler after she received an unwanted nude picture from a man

Twitter has rolled out a new feature called Safe DM that will block and delete unsolicited nudes sent via direct message (DM) on the platform.

The plugin was developed by Kelsey Bressler after she received an unwanted nude from a man. Bressler believes social media companies should be more proactive when it comes to protecting users from cyber flashing.

At present, the 'Safe DM' feature is also in talks to be added to another major platform, told Bressler to BBC.

"We would like to roll this out on other social media platforms and are discussing where to go next."

She asked the public to send her nudes so as part to help her with the artificial intelligence of the feature.

"I am testing a filter that is under development which will automatically detect dick pics in DMs and handle them on behalf of the user," she posted on Twitter.

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Over 4,000 pictures were sent in.

The Safe DM team claims that the filter works 99% of the time.

It was put to test by Buzzfeed News and the results concluded that the software was highly precise when it came to blocking and deleting pictures of nudes however, it lags behind when it comes to time.

Those who wish to use the Safe DM feature need to add a plugin to their Twitter account and allow it to access direct messages.

The software works by scanning text and if it detects nudes then the feature informs both parties that the message was inappropriate and has been deleted.

She also said that the AI is programmed to look for unwanted images only and does not read the text of a message.

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"Virtual equivalent of flashing someone in the street,” says Bressler while speaking about receiving an unsolicited nude image.

"You're not giving them a chance to consent, you are forcing the image on them, and that is never okay."

According to a study conducted by Pew Research, from 2017 found 53% of women between the ages of 18 and 29 had received an unwanted nude image.

The article originally published on BBC Tech.