All newsSocial Media
Instagram blocks offensive words out of users’ comments
It was July, earlier this year when Instagram rolled out an update for high-profile users to filter specific words out of their comments section. Today, company lets everyone to use this filter by defining words or emojis that they find offensive and ask Instagram to automatically block comments containing these words or phrases.
The new update can be accessed by clicking on the Gear Icon -> Comments -> Hide Inappropriate Comments (enable).
The app has a default list with words flagged as inappropriate all in English language, but users who define their own list is supported in “all languages with spaces between words”.
Keving Systrom, Instagram founder, said the measures were necessary “to promote a culture where everyone feels safe to be themselves without criticism or harassment”. He also continued by saying that Instagram accepted its responsibility as a company to keep the network positive and creative place for everyone.
“We know tools aren’t the only solution for this complex problem, but together, we can work towards keeping Instagram a safe place for self-expression,” he said. “My commitment to you is that we will keep building features that safeguard the community and maintain what makes Instagram a positive and creative place for everyone.”
The update follows a series of abuse on the network toward celebrities and other users. Online bullying have forced several popular users to leave Instagram and Twitter as they have been accused of causing stress and depression.
