Instagram attacks spam in direct messages

Instagram is tackling spam in direct messages. This could allow Meta to be less under pressure.

 

Instagram makes spam via direct messages (DM) more difficult. The social network does indeed deploy stricter rules for DMs. The sender is now limited to a single message if the recipient does not follow. And you will have to accept the chat request before it can send you more. Requests for direct messages are now limited to text. It is therefore impossible for a malicious person to send you photos, videos or voice messages.

Instagram attacks spam in direct messages

The company began testing these restrictions in DMs at the end of June. It already has several tools to combat spam, including a “Hidden Words” tool to hide messages containing certain words or emoji. There are now filters for scams and spam. You can also put a safeguard against incessant DM requests, but this will not prevent spammers from trying their luck.

Instagram calls this a security measure, especially for women. The company told TechCrunch that women frequently receive unwanted nudes in their DMs. This should effectively limit this practice, without totally preventing people from sending rude messages.

This could allow Meta to be less under pressure

This reinforcement comes as the parent company, Meta, faces pressure from politicians and other critics to improve its protection measures, especially for the youngest. A US Senate bill would seek parental consent for teens who want to use social apps, for example. The state of Arkansas recently passed a law requiring age verification of users. This follows longstanding fears that industry giants have not always done the right thing to combat harassment and protect certain populations. Efforts like these should certainly reduce the pressure a bit.