Instagram Adds Safety Tools In Attempt To Protect Creators From Abuse And Harassment

Meta Platforms Inc.'s META Instagram has rolled out new features, addressing instances of cyber abuse, harassment and growing number of court cases. 

What Happened: On Thursday, Instagram introduced new safety tools like advanced user blocking and more. "Now, when you block someone, you'll have the option to block other accounts they may already have, making it more difficult for them to interact with you again on Instagram," the platform noted.  

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The feature is a follow-up of last year's update, which allowed users to block not just a single account but any new accounts that the person may create. 

To protect ‘Creator’ account users from harmful message requests and comments, Instagram is testing the automatic activation of Hidden Words. This feature will also shield users from seeing scam message requests, offensive Stories replies and more.  

Additionally, the platform is expanding the use of nudges to encourage people to pause before sending a hurtful comment or message request. 

Why It's Important: Social media platforms such as Twitter Inc.'s TWTR namesake app, Snap Inc.'s SNAP Snapchat, Meta's Facebook and others have in the past faced regulatory troubles across the globe.

Earlier, a report revealed that Facebook's algorithms incited hatred against Rohingyas in Myanmar. Similarly, Alphabet Inc.’s (NASDAQ GOOG) GOOGL Google was also slapped with a $500,000 fine in a defamation case over two videos posted on YouTube. 

Last year, a Harvard Business Review post emphasized social media companies to self-regulate, saying the 2021 U.S. Capitol riots incident was largely fomented on social media. 

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