Instagram has released an update to its sensitive content filters for teens, in order to reduce exposure to harmful content.
In recent years, Instagram has tried to be a safer platform for teens after many privacy experts and children's rights activists claimed that the app was not safe for minors. Instagram had initially said that it would release a children's version of the app, which did not happen. Then, it decided to update its sensitive content filters with the tags “More”, “Standard” and “Less”. Each tag gives teens a specific level of access to different content.
The filters are set to “Standard” by default, which is considered a moderate option. However, with the new update, the sensitivity filter for new users under 16 has now been set to “Less” to display the least amount of harmful content. The new setting affects all parts of the app, including the Explore page, Search, Reels, Suggested Accounts, Feed Recommendations, and more.
Instagram updates sensitive content filters for users under 16
Users under 16 who are currently using the app are being asked by the company to update their privacy and safety settings. Instagram is now asking teens to control “who can repost their content , who can message and contact them, what content they can see, and how they can manage the time they spend on Instagram.”
Instagram hopes the new setting will limit teens from accessing harmful content on the platform. However, knowing the correct age of users is still a serious challenge for the platform, as many underage users trick the app by falsely reporting their age. That’s why the company recently launched age verification in the United States, which requires users to upload valid identification documents when signing up for the platform.
Amber Alerts is another feature added to the US user feed to help find abducted children. If you want to check your sensitive content filters, you can go to Profile, Settings, Account, and Sensitive Content Control to see the default safety options. As concerns about child safety arise on social platforms, we should expect to see more privacy-focused features on Instagram.
Information source: androidheadlines.com
