As proven in these screenshots, the brand new restrictions, which Instagram first started testing again in June, will imply that DMs from customers that you simply’re not linked with within the app will now be restricted to text-only invitations, which the recipient must settle for earlier than you may make any additional contact. Customers will solely have the ability to ship a single invite to every consumer.

That’ll assist customers keep away from bots and spammers who submit typically offensive pictures and video in DM requests, in a bid to get extra consideration in-stream.

Specifically, Instagram says that these updates will profit feminine customers, who are sometimes despatched unsolicited nudes.

As per Instagram:

“We would like folks to really feel assured and in management after they open their inbox. That’s why we’re testing new options that imply folks can’t obtain pictures, movies or a number of messages from somebody they don’t comply with, till they’ve accepted the request to talk. We’re grateful for the suggestions we hear from our neighborhood, and we’ll hold listening to search out methods to assist everybody really feel safer on Instagram.”

As famous, the replace was initially introduced again in June, together with numerous different safety and security enhancements throughout Fb and Instagram, that are designed to assist enhance its broader messaging expertise. With extra interactions switching to DMs, particularly amongst youthful customers, Meta’s eager to maximise security controls, as a way to assist kids keep away from undesirable consideration, and solicitation, within the app.

The broader launch of those new choices will assist to restrict undesirable contact, and will go a great distance in serving to customers keep away from IG creeps.