Instagram Unleashes Bullying Filter Via Machine Learning, Uses Nuclear Option

Cyberbullying has been a major problem in using the internet since the start and no one has really been able to do anything to stop it. In an attempt to finally censor bullies on the platform, Instagram finally uses the nuclear option and plans to use filters to stop any offensive language from getting to their intended destination.

The new feature was announced at the F8 conference that was recently launched, where the photo-sharing app’s CEO Kevin Systrom details all of the important items involved in the update. A blog post also contains the relevant information for users to check out.

“Last year we announced our offensive comment filter, which automatically hides toxic and divisive comments, particularly those aimed at at-risk groups. This new filter hides comments containing attacks on a person’s appearance or character, as well as threats to a person’s well-being or health. The bullying filter is on for our global community and can be disabled in the Comment Controls center in the app. The new filter will also alert us to repeated problems so we can take action,” the press release reads.

As Engadget notes, this is different to what Instagram has done in the past, which were considerably less forceful. The feature was already actually available to users before, but it was basically optional and needed to be done. This time, it’s going to be automatic and will involve basic artificial intelligence.

Among the content that are going to be filtered include slanderous comments, insulting messages, racist or sexist remarks, and other similar items. These things will be flagged and will be held for review before they are either chucked in the bin or allowed to pass through. After all, some contents only contain such words or phrases because they are using them as a reference for complaints or conversation.