Instagram has recently announced further updates to it that are focused on the privacy and safety of its teen users

Instagram has recently announced further updates to it that are focused on the privacy and safety of its teen users

Instagram has recently announced modifications to its Sensitive Content Control function that are aimed at protecting the privacy and safety of its teenage users. Instagram updated the blog article announcing the extension of the Sensitive Content Control feature on June 6 on Thursday. The popular photo and video sharing app has announced new safety features for its younger users in its latest update. Among these steps are experimental alerts that urge young users to examine and update their privacy and safety settings, and change the default for new teen accounts to use the “Less” Sensitive Content Control option.

Users of Instagram (including kids and adults) can utilize the app’s sensitive content control settings to hide inappropriate material (such as images of violence or references to illegal substances) from their feeds and recommendations. However, restricting what you see won’t affect the feeds of accounts you already follow. There are three tiers of content filters available to adults: more, standard, and less. Out of the three options, More permits the most sensitive stuff to pass through, Standard permits some sensitive content, and Less permits the least.

Instagram has stated that its teen users can only use the Standard and fewer settings. New users under the age of 16 will now have their accounts pre-set to the Less setting. Existing Instagram accounts belonging to teenagers will receive a notice recommending they switch to the Less setting. A new type of prompt that suggests teens evaluate and update their privacy and safety settings is currently being tested on Instagram. Modifying these preferences allows teens to control how their content is shared, what they see, how long they spend using the app, and how much time they spend using it.