Instagram Finally Takes Action Against Direct Message Spam

It seems that the endless spam on Instagram has finally become too much even for Zuckerberg and Mosseri. They have decided to tighten the limits on mass messaging and restrict sending anything other than text messages to users who are not following you. Let's delve into the details of how this works.

Instagram is rolling out a new feature aimed at providing better protection for users against unwanted images and videos in direct messages. With this new feature, people wishing to send messages to users who don't follow them will encounter two new restrictions:

1. The ability to send only one message to non-followers: Instead of sending an unlimited number of messages to someone who is not following you, you can now send them only one message. You'll be able to continue sending them direct messages only after they accept your chat request.
2. The ability to send only text: Direct message invitations are now limited to text only. This means that you can only send images, videos, or voice notes to users who haven't followed you after they accept your chat request.

Instagram reports that with these new restrictions, users will no longer receive unwanted images or videos, and strangers won't be able to repeatedly message them. This feature will be particularly helpful for women, as they often receive unsolicited explicit content in their direct messages.

"We want people to feel confident and in control when they open their inbox," said Cindy Southworth, head of the Women's Safety department at Meta. "That’s why we’re testing new features that mean people can’t receive images, videos or multiple messages from someone they don’t follow, until they’ve accepted the request to chat."