Teenagers on Instagram can now safeguard themselves from creepy adults! The Facebook-owned social media platform is implementing a set of new rules to make the platform a safer space for teenagers.
As part of these guidelines, adults will not be able to message underage users who do not follow them. Instagram's algorithm will gauge the 'actual age' of users when they sign-up. It will also display 'safety prompt' messages reminding teenagers that they must not feel pressured to respond to particular messages, if they don't want to.
The move follows pressure on Facebook over the impact of its encryption plans on child protection. Multiple international statements have called out Facebook asking the tech giant to ensure that young people using its platforms were kept safe.