Instagram to filter out comments that bully and harass

Instagram on Tuesday announced that it was expanding its online anti-bullying initiative.

The social networking site will add a new filter which will weed out comments meant to harass or bully its the 800 million users. 

The company said it would review accounts that have a large number of comments filtered out. If those accounts violate Instagram’s community guidelines, it will take action, which could include banning them. 

As per media reports, the new filter will also hide comments attacking a person’s appearance or character, and alert Instagram to repeat offenders.

Last year, Instagram had announced its offensive comment filter, which automatically hides toxic and divisive comments, particularly those aimed at at-risk groups.

“To be clear, we don’t tolerate bullying on Instagram,” said Kevin Systrom, the company’s chief executive and co-founder, told Instagram users in a blog. 

The company will also expand policies to guard against the bullying of young public figures who are often the target of hate-filled messages.