This morning Instagram has announced the launch of their new bullying filter. The intention is to filter out any comments intended to harass and upset others. The news comes less than a year after the app unveiled it’s offensive comment filter.
Instagram has always had a very strict set of community guidelines regarding bullying and harassment. However in recent times they have been taking steps on enforcing those through updates, rather than placing trust in their users.
The app has recently become a popular platform for online bullying and trolls. With these people using the platform to harass and attack celebrities, and young influencers.
On the new update, CEO and co-founder of Instagram Kevin Systrom said “To be clear: we don’t tolerate bullying on Instagram. Our Community Guidelines have always prohibited bullying on our platform, and I’m proud to announce this next step in our ongoing commitment to keeping Instagram an inclusive, supportive place for all voices.”
The update is available for all users now, and can be disabled in the comments control section of the app settings.
On top of the general bullying filter, the app is working on updating their policies in regards to bullying young public figures on the platform. “Protecting our youngest community members is crucial to helping them feel comfortable to express who they are and what they care about.”
The platform is hosting a “kindness prom” over the weekend to celebrate young leaders in their community. “These young leaders are inspiring their peers by helping kindness, acceptance and support grow on Instagram and in the world.”
Systrom has said that these new initiatives are just the next step in delivering a “safe place for self-expression and to foster kindness within the community.”
You can read more about the update here.
