Instagram’s attempts to remove hateful or abusive DM requests will soon be expanded. Instagram’s most recent blog post explains how the platform would further discourage users from seeing hateful or abusive DMs in the first place.
According to Instagram, the majority of hateful or unwanted messages come from DM requests. These are direct messages from users who have never messaged you before and are not even following you. Instagram will begin filtering a list of anti-discrimination and anti-bullying keywords and emojis created in conjunction with leading anti-discrimination and anti-bullying organizations.
If DM requests contain any of these emojis or phrases, or any emojis or words you specify, they will be filtered. This feature’s options will be found in a new section of the Privacy Settings called “Hidden Words.” Any filtered DM requests will appear in a separate secret requests folder, and the message text will be obscured before you tap on it. You would then be able to approve, delete, or report the appeal.
Instagram has also made it more difficult for a blocked user to contact you. When you block a user, you have the choice of also blocking any new accounts that the user creates in an attempt to contact you again. It is unclear how Instagram would realize that the same user is creating a new account, but the additional effort required may deter a blocked user from making further attempts.
This latest DM request filter will be rolled out to many countries in the coming weeks, with more countries to follow in the coming months. Meanwhile, the newest account blocking functionality will be globally available in the coming weeks.