Instagram introduces restrictions against "potential scammers"

One of the world's most popular social media platforms, Instagram, is adding new security features to combat blackmail and scams. These features are particularly aimed at young users.

Instagram, Meta's video and photo-sharing platform, continues to become more interactive and user-friendly with its new features. Most recently, Meta is preparing new security measures to prevent sexual blackmail and scams targeting young users.

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We had previously mentioned that Instagram would introduce extensive restrictions for users under 18. Now, additional developments have been shared. According to this, follow requests from suspicious accounts will be redirected to the spam folder or completely blocked.

Additionally, when a message is sent to a young user from an unknown account, Instagram will send warning notifications, informing the young user about the reliability of the message. This will particularly apply to messages coming from different countries.

Furthermore, if a potential scammer is found to be following a young user, personal information such as the young user’s follower list and who tagged them in photos will be hidden. Meta has not shared detailed information about how this feature works, but it is expected to use data such as the account’s age and common followers.

Moreover, Meta is also taking additional measures to protect private images. Images sent through Instagram's temporary messaging feature can no longer be captured via screenshots or screen recordings. Furthermore, these images will also be blocked from being opened on Instagram’s web version.

It is worth noting that all these features are being introduced at a time of increasing legal pressures. Meta is currently dealing with multiple lawsuits filed by various U.S. states regarding sexual harassment and the protection of young users. The exact date when these features will be available is still unknown, but we expect it won't take long.