Instagram is working on blocking nude photos in DMs

Meta has confirmed that it is working on a feature for Instagram to automatically block nude photos in DMs. That should prevent users from seeing the often unwanted photos. The function works without Instagram scanning the photos on its own servers.

Instagram Nudity Protection

Instead, Instagram uses “technology on your device” to determine whether a photo contains nudity or not, according to a screenshot from developer and leaker Alessandro Paluzzi. Instagram has not yet provided details of whether it works and whether there are any device requirements for using the feature.

Instagram confirms the move against The Verge and says it will announce more about the feature in the coming weeks. It will be an option in the app and users will still have the option to view the photo even with the feature enabled. Instagram already has a DM filter for unwanted words.

The move should eventually reduce the number of unwanted nude photos that users see. Many female users in particular have to deal with this on the platform. Instagram is going to call the feature Nudity Protection.