Meta has announced a significant update to Instagram, aimed at enhancing user safety by preventing screenshots and screen recordings of photos and videos sent via Direct Message (DM). This move is part of a broader strategy to combat online threats, particularly sextortion scams, and to create a safer environment for users, especially teenagers.
New Screenshot Restrictions
On Thursday, Meta revealed that users would no longer be able to take screenshots of ephemeral content shared in DMs. This includes images and videos that are meant to be viewed only once or replayed just one time. The company emphasized that this update adds a crucial layer of privacy for users sharing sensitive material. As stated by Meta, “If someone sends a photo or video in Instagram DM or Messenger using our ‘View once’ or ‘Allow replay’ feature, they don’t need to worry about it being screenshotted or recorded in-app without their consent.”
To further bolster security, Instagram will also restrict access to these features on its web version, ensuring that users cannot bypass the screenshot prevention measures.
Outpacing Snapchat
Previously, Instagram allowed users to take screenshots of ephemeral content, but the sender would receive a notification whenever someone captured their image. The recent changes eliminate this possibility entirely. Now, if users share content via the “view once” or “allow replay” features, recipients will have no way to save or capture it. This move positions Instagram ahead of platforms like Snapchat, which allows screenshots but notifies senders when this occurs. By blocking screenshots entirely, Instagram reinforces its commitment to user privacy.
Enhanced Safety for Teen Users
In addition to the new screenshot restrictions, Instagram is rolling out a suite of safety features specifically designed to protect its younger users from potential online threats. With the introduction of Teen Accounts, young users are shielded from receiving messages from anyone they don’t follow. While they can still get follow requests, suspicious accounts will face additional scrutiny. Instagram plans to either block or direct these requests to a spam folder, thereby limiting the chances of harmful interactions.
The platform is also implementing safety notifications in DMs to warn teens when they are communicating with someone in a different country, as scammers often exploit this tactic to gain trust.
Fighting Sextortion Scams
Instagram’s latest features aim to combat the growing issue of sextortion, where scammers exploit users’ personal information to manipulate or blackmail them. To address this, the platform will prevent suspicious accounts from accessing followers’ lists or seeing who has liked posts. By limiting scam accounts’ visibility into user interactions, Instagram hopes to reduce the risk of teenagers falling victim to these types of scams.
Global Rollout of Nudity Protection
Another critical aspect of the update is the global rollout of Instagram’s nudity protection feature. This functionality automatically blurs images containing nudity sent in DMs and will be enabled by default for teenage users. Furthermore, Instagram will alert users who attempt to send private photos, reminding them of the potential risks.
For users needing more support, Instagram has partnered with Crisis Text Line in the U.S. to offer crisis counseling directly within the app. If someone reports an issue related to child safety or sextortion, they will have the option to speak with a trained counselor.
Regulatory Response and Ongoing Efforts
These changes come after increased scrutiny from lawmakers, who have pressed social media platforms to take stronger action in protecting young users from online dangers. In response, Instagram is launching an educational campaign aimed at raising awareness about sextortion scams. Teen users in regions such as the U.S., U.K., Australia, and Canada will see educational videos that explain how scammers operate and how to safeguard themselves. Influencers like Bella Poarch and Brent Rivera will also help disseminate this important information.
While regulators have welcomed these updates, there remains a call for ongoing efforts. The U.K.’s communications regulator, Ofcom, has praised Instagram’s initiatives but emphasized the need for further action, especially in light of the new Online Safety Act, which demands stricter protective measures for children online.
