Social media platform Instagram is now becoming stricter regarding the online safety of teenagers. Meta has launched two new features for Instagram users in India that are specifically related to Direct Messages (DMs). Now, if a teenager starts a chat with a new user, whether they follow each other or not, Instagram will show them a safety alert.
This alert will advise the user to carefully check the profile of the other person and be cautious of any suspicious activity or conversation. This feature will help teenagers stay alert to any kind of fraud or stranger-related threats.
Account History of the Other User Will Now Be Visible
Meta has made another important change on Instagram. Now, information about when the other user's account was created will be displayed at the top of the chat window. This will include the month and year.
This will make it easier for teenage users to estimate whether an account is new or old. If an account has been recently created and repeatedly tries to make contact, the user may get an indication to be cautious. This will help in identifying fake accounts quickly.
Block and Report Now with One Click
Considering the convenience of users, Meta has made the "Block and Report" feature even easier. Previously, reporting someone and then blocking them were two separate steps, but now both tasks can be done simultaneously.
This is a big relief for teenagers because if a user sends them uncomfortable messages or behaves inappropriately, they can report and block them with just one click. This will provide them with a safer digital space.
Strictness on Accounts Under 13 Years of Age
Meta has also clarified that Instagram accounts created for children under the age of 13, and which are operated by their parents or guardians, will now have Instagram's strictest security settings applied.
These settings include:
- Limited access to chat and messages
- “Hidden Words” filter that will filter out offensive words
- Parental guidance on account activity
- Safety alert displayed at the top of the Instagram feed
Meta has also said that if an account is found to be run by a child under the age of 13, that account will be deleted.
Special Focus on India
Meta has implemented these changes specifically in India because India is one of Instagram's largest markets. The company has acknowledged that the number of young users here is very high, and the responsibility for their safety is also significant.
In India, crores of users are active on Instagram every month, and a large number of these include teenagers and young adults. Keeping this in mind, Meta has prioritized these features. These changes will give parents and guardians the confidence that their children are safe online.
Parents Will Also Get Control Tools
Meta is now preparing to bring tools for parents as well, which will allow them to monitor their children's Instagram experience. This will include options such as setting time limits, viewing account activity, and giving children online safety tips.
Through this, family members will be able to make their teenage children's social media presence balanced and safe. This step by Meta has been taken with the aim of promoting family safety.
Identifying Suspicious Accounts with the Help of AI
Meta is now using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to try and identify accounts that attempt to make inappropriate contact with teenagers. Instagram will also prevent such users from sending follow requests, messages, or tagging them.
The AI system will determine whether an account is suitable to connect with teenagers by considering the user's age, their profile activity, and past behavior.
Meta's Thinking Behind the New Initiative
Meta believes that social media has become a large part of teenagers' daily lives today. In such a situation, ensuring their safety is the company's priority. The new changes on Instagram have been implemented with this in mind so that young users can be protected from incidents such as fake profiles, abuse, fraud, or exploitation.
It is Also Important to Make Users Aware
Along with these changes on Instagram, Meta has also started efforts to continuously make users aware. Whenever a teenager contacts a new user or opens any function related to a suspicious profile, Instagram itself will send them safety notifications and guidelines.
