Instagram

Instagram Introduces New Features to Combat Sextortion Scams

Instagram has rolled out new safety features designed to curb sextortion, a rising form of online exploitation where scammers trick users, often teens, into sharing intimate images before blackmailing them. As part of its efforts, Instagram will now prevent users from taking screenshots or screen recordings of “view once” images and videos, adding a layer of protection for those sending sensitive content through the platform’s Direct Messages.

The platform’s parent company, Meta, announced these changes on Thursday as part of a broader initiative to protect teens from online predators. Among the other safety features now made permanent are tools that automatically blur nude images sent via Instagram’s messaging system and hiding follower lists from accounts flagged as potential sextortion threats. These measures follow recent concerns about the rise of such scams, particularly targeting teenage boys.

The UK’s communications watchdog, Ofcom, warned that social media platforms could face penalties if they fail to implement adequate child safety measures. Meanwhile, the NSPCC welcomed Instagram’s updates as a positive step, though the group also questioned why similar protections are not yet in place across all of Meta’s platforms, including WhatsApp.

Meta’s head of global safety, Antigone Davis, emphasized that while the platform has introduced built-in protections for teens, scammers continue to evolve their tactics, making it necessary for users to remain vigilant. The company also launched an awareness campaign aimed at educating teens and parents on how to recognize sextortion attempts.

This move comes as various law enforcement agencies report an increase in sextortion scams, with the UK’s Internet Watch Foundation revealing that 91% of the sextortion cases reported in 2023 involved male victims. Meta hopes these new tools will help reduce the risk of online exploitation, particularly among vulnerable groups.

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