Instagram has introduced Teen Accounts and new tools to combat sextortion scams, ensuring safer experiences for users under 18. These updates focus on empowering teens, supporting parents, and blocking potential scammers. Here’s a closer look:
1. Raising Awareness with an Educational Campaign
In collaboration with NCMEC and Thorn, Instagram created resources to help teens and parents recognize sextortion scams. Teens learn to identify red flags, such as pressure to exchange images or move conversations off-platform. An educational video reassures teens that sextortion is never their fault and directs them to tools like NCMEC’s Take It Down for image removal and Crisis Text Line for 24/7 mental health support.
Parent-focused guides, shared by influencers, help families discuss digital safety, providing practical tips on protecting teens online.
2. Enhanced Safety Features for Teens
Instagram has expanded protections with new measures:
Default Settings: Teens under 18 are automatically placed in private accounts with limited contact options. They can only receive messages from followers they’ve approved.
Hiding Sensitive Features: Scammers can no longer see followers, following lists, or tagged accounts of potential targets.
Screenshot Prevention: Screenshots or recordings of ephemeral DMs (like “view once” images) are blocked, ensuring sensitive content remains private.
3. Global Rollout of Nudity Protection in DMs
This feature automatically blurs images containing nudity sent in DMs and warns teens of potential risks. Enabled by default for users under 18, it aims to create safer digital interactions.
4. Support for Sextortion Victims
Instagram now connects users reporting sextortion cases with Crisis Text Line counselors for confidential, 24/7 mental health support. Teens and parents can also access guides, conversation tips, and live help through Instagram’s resources.
5. Proactive Scammer Removal
Meta continues to crack down on sextortion scammers. Over 1,600 assets linked to sextortion activities were recently removed. Using AI and patterns identified by safety experts, Instagram detects and bans scam accounts quickly, often before they can act.
Instagram’s updates reflect a commitment to protecting teens and empowering families to navigate online safety confidently. These new features will evolve further to meet the growing challenges of digital exploitation.
