Instagram revealed this week plans to clamp down on bullying by using machine learning to detect offensive words and phrases before submitting the content for review to human moderators.
The new feature works similar to the recently introduced enhanced comment filter that screens for phrases that may be offensive, however, it will not just analyze photo captions but photos themselves, The Verge noted.
"This change will help us identify and remove significantly more bullying — and it's a crucial next step since many people who experience or observe bullying don't report it," said Instagram's new chief, Adam Mosseri, in a blogpost.
He noted that the feature was an extension of the bullying comment filter, which detects and hides bullying comments.
"We're now adding this filter to comments on live videos to ensure that Live remains a safe and fun place to authentically connect with your friends and interests."
An Instagram spokesperson explained that the technology is able to detect forms of harassment and bullying such as threats and attacks on a person's character or appearance, CNN noted.
Bullying tactics such as ranking, rating or comparing images and captions can be identified by the tech.
An example would be in a split-screen image, where one person is negatively compared to another.
Instagram also announced the launch of a "kindness camera effect" which is designed to spread positivity and boost user engagement.
Mosseri explained that the feature will fill the screen with hearts in selfie mode, and encourage a user to tag a friend, who can continue to spread the kindness in their own story.
Switching to the rear camera will give the user "an overlay of kind comments in many languages."
The new anti-bullying feature will roll out within the next few weeks to coincide with National Bullying Prevention Month in the U.S.
"There's more work to do, and we will continue to do our part to protect the community so that you can safely be yourself on Instagram," Mosseri noted.
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