Washington D.C, October 19,2024- Instagram, the popular photo-sharing platform, has announced new safety features to protect users, particularly young people, from sextortion- a form of blackmail where perpetrators use explicit images or videos to extort money.
According to Meta, Instagram’s parent company, the platform is using advanced technology to identify accounts involved in fraudulent activities. These accounts will face restrictions, making it harder for them to contact young users.
One of the key updates includes a new tool that prevents users from taking screenshots or recording videos directly from their device during private chats. This measure addresses a common tactic used by blackmailers to collect compromising material.
Instagram stated that sextortionists often target individuals from their list of followers. However, with the new changes, accounts flagged for suspicious behavior will lose access to this feature, reducing their ability to exploit potential victims.