Instagram Expands ‘Restrict’ Feature for Enhanced User Safety
Instagram has broadened their ‘Restrict’ feature, a significant safety measure that conceals personal messages and comments from possibly harassing users. The feature previously permitted content concealment from recent subscribers or non-followers, but now allows users to limit interactions from anyone outside of their ‘Close Friends’ list.
Functionality of the ‘Restrict’ Feature
By restricting all users except close friends, only personal messages and mentions from this list will be visible. Other users will still be able to interact with the posts, but the author won’t see it, and those who are restricted won’t know that their content is hidden. If desired, these hidden comments or personal messages can still be viewed.
Configuring and Applying Restrictions
Instagram permits the application of restrictions on these accounts for a period of up to four weeks, which can be extended if necessary. To set up the ‘Restrict’ feature, users need to open their profile page, select the hamburger button in the top right-hand corner of the screen, and navigate to the ‘Interaction Restrictions’ menu item. Here, restrictions can be applied to non-followers, recent followers, or to anyone not on the close friends list.
New Safety Measures
Now, users can forbid anyone on the platform from tagging or mentioning them and can hide their comments from outsiders. These steps have been taken by Meta, Instagram’s parent company, due to increased regulatory scrutiny by US authorities concerned about the safety of young social media users.
