Instagram to blur sensitive content, adds two-factor authentication

Instagram will now blur sensitive photos and videos in your feed and it is also rolling out two-factor authentication to everyone.

Facebook-owned photo and video sharing social networking app has been adding many features since last year for making it a better and safer platform for everyone. It states,

“Last September, we made a commitment to the community to keep Instagram a safe place for everyone and built tools to safeguard self-expression on our platform. This year we will continue to act on that commitment and also focus on fostering kindness…As part of our goal to build a safe environment, we also have some updates to announce.”

Blurring sensitive content

After updating the app, you may notice a screen over sensitive photos and videos when you scroll through your feed or visit a profile. This means that someone from the community has reported them to be offensive and Instagram’s review team has confirmed that they are sensitive. These posts don’t violate Instagram’s guidelines, that’s why they are not taken down.

This change means you are less likely to have surprising or unwanted experiences in the app. If you’d like to see a post that is covered with a screen, simply tap to reveal the photo or video. The blurred view will show up both in list and grid display modes.

Two-factor Authentication (2FA)

Two-factor Authentication is an extra layer of security which ensures that only you can access your account even if someone else knows your password. This extra piece of information can be an alpha-numeric code or something else. Your password will be the first authentication and the code will be secondary authentication.

Instagram has rolled out this feature to everyone. Previously, this was available only to a limited set of members.

• To enable it, tap the gear icon
• Look for Two-Factor Authentication and enable it
• Instagram will send a security code to your phone number
• If you never added a phone number, you can do so under Options > Edit Profile. Once 2FA is on, any time you log in from a new device a code is sent to your phone before you can log in
• In case you lose access to your phone number or can’t receive a security code by text, there’s also an option “Get Backup Codes” in the Two-Factor Authentication section.

New website

Instagram has developed an additional, easy-to-use site (instagram-together.com) where you can learn about keeping yourself safe on Instagram. You can explore tools such as account blocking, comment controls, photo tagging and more. You can also connect with support services in your country and read more about how we’re building a positive community.