Instagram Introduces Safety Features to Tackle Sextortion Scams

Instagram has introduced a new safety feature to protect users, particularly teenagers, from the growing threat of sextortion scams. When a user attempts to take a screenshot or screen recording of a disappearing message, they will see a black screen instead.

Instagram has launched new safety features to protect teenagers from sextortion scams, a growing concern on social media. These updates come as part of a broader effort by Meta, Instagram’s parent company, to enhance the safety of young users online.

One of the key changes is the prevention of screenshots and screen recordings of disappearing messages in direct messages. If someone tries to capture an image meant for a single viewing, the screen will turn black, blocking unauthorized screenshots. This feature is especially aimed at stopping scammers from saving private content.

In addition, Instagram is testing new notifications to alert teenagers when they are messaging someone outside their country. The goal is to help teens recognize potential dangers and avoid risky interactions.

To combat scams more effectively, newly created accounts showing suspicious behavior will be restricted from viewing a user’s followers and following lists. Scammers often use these lists to target potential victims, so limiting access adds another layer of protection.

Instagram has also introduced a feature that blurs any images flagged for nudity in direct messages for users under 18. This move ensures that inappropriate content is harder to view, helping to safeguard younger users.

Need Of Such Feature

These updates build on previous safety measures, like the introduction of “Teen Accounts.” These accounts are private by default and come with additional parental controls, giving parents the ability to oversee messaging activities.

Sextortion scams, which often target minors, involve criminals coercing victims into sending explicit content and threatening to expose it unless further images or money are provided. With these new tools, Meta aims to minimize such risks and create a safer online environment for teenagers.

Despite these improvements, some critics argue that Meta’s actions are overdue. Annie Seifullah, a lawyer specializing in sextortion cases, commented that while the features are a step forward, they may not be enough to fully address the widespread issue.

Meta said it will create teen accounts for the identified users within 60 days in the U.S., UK, Canada, and Australia and later this year in the European Union. Teens around the world will start to get teen accounts in January.