Instagram has launched a optional filter which will block inappropriate comments, as well as let users define the words, phrases or emojis that they find offensive. Comments deemed abusive will be hidden from those users’ posts so that neither the account nor members of the public can see them.
In a company blog post, Instagram’s CEO and founder Kevin Systrom said this is the ‘first’ feature to help “all different types of people — from diverse backgrounds, races, genders, sexual orientations, abilities and more — (who) call Instagram home, but sometimes the comments on their posts can be unkind.
“To empower each individual, we need to promote a culture where everyone feels safe to be themselves without criticism or harassment. It’s not only my personal wish to do this, I believe it’s also our responsibility as a company. So, today, we’re taking the next step to ensure Instagram remains a positive place to express yourself.”
The new comment filtering feature is in app’s settings:
In July, high profile celebrity users were given access to the tools to automatically block trolls. For example- after Taylor Swift was labelled a ‘snake’ for the whole Kanye West Famous lyric debacle, the pop-star’s Instagram page was bombarded with green snake emojis.
Since the filter was launched, Swifts page which has more than 86 million followers, there are no green snakes emojis in the comment feed.
FULL INSTAGRAM PRESS RELEASE
When Mike and I first created Instagram, we wanted it to be a welcoming community where people could share their lives. Images have the ability to inspire and bring out the best in us, whether they are funny, sad or beautiful. Over the past five years, I’ve watched in wonder as this community has grown to 500 million, with stories from every corner of the world. With this growth, we want to work diligently to maintain what has kept Instagram positive and safe, especially in the comments on your photos and videos.
The beauty of the Instagram community is the diversity of its members. All different types of people — from diverse backgrounds, races, genders, sexual orientations, abilities and more — call Instagram home, but sometimes the comments on their posts can be unkind. To empower each individual, we need to promote a culture where everyone feels safe to be themselves without criticism or harassment. It’s not only my personal wish to do this, I believe it’s also our responsibility as a company. So, today, we’re taking the next step to ensure Instagram remains a positive place to express yourself.
The first feature we’re introducing is a keyword moderation tool that anyone can use. Now, when you tap the gear icon on your profile, you’ll find a new Comments tool. This feature lets you list words you consider offensive or inappropriate. Comments with these words will be hidden from your posts. You can choose your own list of words or use default words we’ve provided. This is in addition to the tools we’ve already developed such as swiping to delete comments, reporting inappropriate comments and blocking accounts.
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. 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.
Kevin Systrom
CEO & Co-founder, Instagram
