Instagram will start automatically blurring nude photos sent via private messaging for account holders younger than 18, per an announcement from its parent company, Meta.
In addition to blurring images containing nudity, the popular social media platform will prompt users “to think twice before sending nude images.” The app will also show a notification to adult users, encouraging them to turn the feature on for their accounts.
The new feature is likely a response to increased public pressure from critics who say social media companies should be doing more to protect children from online harm. Meta also said the feature would help protect minors from “sextortion,” or the practice of scammers sending nude images to children in an effort to get them to send photos back.
“While people overwhelmingly use DMs to share what they love with their friends, family or favorite creators,…
