New York: Instagram has initiated testing a feature aimed at concealing or blurring explicit videos and images on its platform.
Instagram confirmed that the trial of the new Update Protection feature has commenced wherein inappropriate content will be hidden.
Under this feature, Instagram’s artificial intelligence (AI) system will automatically blur or hide explicit videos and images sent directly to the inbox after identifying them based on the recognition of genitalia.
As soon as a user sends explicit content to another user, Instagram’s AI system will blur or hide such content upon recognition of genitalia of both men and women.
Content under this feature will not be deleted but will instead be concealed or blurred as a warning allowing users to click on it and view it properly after acknowledging.
The testing of this feature aims to particularly ensure the safety of underage users as Instagram is popular among users under 18 and it has been observed that explicit content is often sent to underage users via direct messages.
Instagram along with other applications and websites is being urged to take measures to protect underage individuals from sexual content and various platforms continue to introduce features at different times to safeguard underage users.
This move by Instagram reflects a broader industry trend towards creating safer online environments particularly for vulnerable user groups. It highlights the platform’s commitment to addressing concerns related to explicit content and ensuring a safer experience for all users especially minors.
