Instagram just launched a new update to combat harassment targeted toward its teenage users.
The social media giant upgraded its "Limits" tool to protect teens from unwanted interactions by letting them restrict all communication to their "Close Friends" group.
As part of the latest update, the setting is now enabled by default for all teenagers.
Once activated, "Limits" will only permit teens to receive comments, messages, story replies, tags, and mentions from their "Close Friends" group.
Any other interactions from accounts outside the group will be muted by default.
Teens can also limit interactions with those who have followed them within the past week, or accounts they don’t follow back.
The feature was originally introduced in 2021 after English footballers Bukayo Saka, Marcus Rashford, and Jadon Sancho were harassed online following their loss to Italy in the Euro 2020 finals.
Instagram is also working on improving its "Restrict" feature, which lets users limit interactions without blocking accounts outright.
Comments from those accounts will be hidden, and they will be unable to tag or mention the user.
Meta's Safety Measures
Earlier this year, Instagram's parent company, Meta, implemented new restrictions preventing anyone over 18 years old from messaging teenagers who do not follow them.
Another feature introduced in April blurs nudity in direct messages sent to teens.
Meta is taking these steps in response to increasing government pressure to improve the safety and privacy of younger users on its platforms.
Over 40 U.S. states sued Meta last October, alleging that the inherent design of its products negatively impacts children's mental health.
More recently, the European Union launched an investigation into Facebook and Instagram for the same reasons.
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Editing by Katherine 'Makkie' Maclang
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