Instagram Will Delete Accounts for Offensive Direct Messages

Instagram will start deleting accounts whose owners send offensive messages in private chats. Previously, such violations would only result in a temporary ban. This was reported by RBC, citing a press release from the social network.

“Now, if someone continues to send unacceptable messages, we will disable their account,” the statement said.

Reason for the New Policy

The change was prompted by an incident in the United Kingdom, where Manchester United football players were subjected to racist abuse on Instagram after losing a match.

How Instagram Will Enforce the Rules

According to Instagram’s management, users who sent offensive messages in Direct could previously have their messaging ability suspended for a period of time. The app’s administration clarified that offensive statements include, in particular, messages inciting hatred based on race or religion.

Instagram noted that monitoring private conversations is more difficult than tracking unwanted comments under posts. The company explained that it does not intend to violate human rights or the privacy of correspondence.

New User Controls

The administration also plans to help users by allowing them to immediately disable the ability to receive private messages from accounts they do not follow. Currently, this feature is available for business accounts and profiles with a large number of followers. According to the app, these users typically receive the most hostile messages from strangers.