Meta Launches New Features to Combat Rising Teen Sextortion on Instagram

Meta introduces safety measures and educational campaigns to address the growing threat of sextortion targeting teenagers on social media.

Instagram will now block follow requests from accounts displaying suspicious behavior to protect teenage users from potential sextortionists.
Meta has rolled out a 'nudity protection' feature that blurs detected nude images in direct messages, automatically enabled for users under 18.
The platform will prevent screenshots or screen recordings of disappearing photos and videos in direct messages to enhance privacy.
Meta is launching an educational PSA across multiple countries to inform teens about sextortion, its warning signs, and where to seek help.
Critics argue that while these measures are steps forward, comprehensive federal regulation is needed to ensure online safety for minors.