Instagram launches new safety feature to combat sextortion

New tools aim to protect young users from explicit image blackmail.

Instagram has rolled out a series of new features aimed at protecting teenagers from sextortion scams, reflecting increasing scrutiny over child safety on social media platforms.

The latest updates include measures to block screenshots and screen recordings of disappearing messages within Instagram direct messages. When a user attempts to capture an image meant for single-viewing, a black screen will be displayed, preventing any unauthorized capture.

In addition, Instagram is testing safety notifications to alert teenagers when they are messaging someone who may be located outside the country.

Accounts identified with "scammy" behaviours, particularly newly created ones, will be restricted from viewing a user’s followers and following lists. This move is designed to thwart scammers who often exploit these lists to target potential victims.

To further safeguard young users, images flagged for nudity will automatically appear blurred for those under 18.

These features follow the recent introduction of designated Teen accounts, which incorporate restrictions such as making accounts private by default and allowing parental oversight of messaging activities.

Sextortion involves predators coercing individuals, often minors, into sharing explicit content, threatening to release this material if further images or money are not provided.

These enhancements are part of Meta's broader effort to address rising concerns regarding the protection of teenagers online.

The company has faced criticism for its handling of child sexual abuse material. A report from the Stanford Internet Observatory in June 2023 highlighted extensive networks advertising and selling such material across its platforms, with Instagram identified as a leading platform in this issue.

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has publicly apologised for the impact of Instagram on child safety, particularly following testimonies from parents who allege that the platform contributed to their children’s suicides and exploitation.

Criticism and response

Despite the new measures, some critics argue that Meta’s actions are insufficient.

Annie Seifullah, a lawyer involved in sextortion cases connected to Meta platforms, expressed that the company has been aware of the problem for too long, describing the new measures as “too little, too late.”