Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
SALT LAKE CITY — On Monday, Instagram implemented a new feature available to all users that will allow them to filter words they consider abusive from their posts’ comments.
The new keyword moderation tool can be accessed in the gear icon on a user’s profile, where they will be led to a comments tool. Users will see a page where they can list words they consider offensive or inappropriate, which will then be hidden from comments on their posts, according to Instagram.
Users can also use a default list of words or phrases Instagram has provided.
This tool is in addition to Instagram’s existing features of deleting comments, reporting inappropriate comments and blocking accounts.
Earlier this summer, Instagram started allowing high-profile users to ban selected words from appearing in comments on their posts.
The company’s founders announced on Monday that with the growth of the online community, Instagram considers it their responsibility to maintain a positive and safe environment for users.
“To empower each individual, we need to promote a culture where everyone feels safe to be themselves without criticism or harassment,” Kevin Systrom, CEO and co-founder of Instagram wrote in an Instagram news release. “So, today, we’re taking the next step to ensure Instagram remains a positive place to express yourself.”
Twitter is also making improvements to its social media network. Since Twitter’s conception, tweets have had a limit of 140 characters, recently including photos, videos, Vines and more.
This past May, Twitter announced plans to allow users to get more use out of their 140 character limit by excluding user mentions, photos, videos or polls from tweet character counts.
The Verge reported that Twitter will implement these changes on Sept. 19.
