Instagram Rolls Out New Feature to Prevent Users from Viewing Abusive Messages

Facebook Inc's Instagram has unleashed a new feature to prevent users from viewing hate speech and abusive messages by filtering offensive words, phrases, and emojis on the photo-sharing app. The social media giant has stated that along with the filter option for abusive direct messages, its new feature will make it harder rather impossible for people blocked by users to circumvent and contact them through new accounts.

Instagram has continuously been pushing on its efforts to tackle online abuse and hate speech on its platform, which is more popular among teens and young adults. The company has said that the filter can be activated on Instagram in privacy settings; users can also customize it to include words, phrases, and emojis that they wish to block or avoid receiving their message requests.

Users can use their discretion to report, delete, or open messages sorted into a hidden requests folder. The feature is applicable only to direct message requests. The users will have the extended option to entirely block out people from contacting them on Instagram once they block that particular person's account. The new feature will roll out in some countries in the coming weeks.