Meta Launches New Tools on Instagram to Regulate Spam Content, Bots

Jace Dela Cruz, Tech Times 14 December 2023, 05:12 am

Meta, the parent company of Instagram, is set to launch a comprehensive suite of new tools on the popular photo-sharing platform.

These tools are designed to offer users increased control over the presence of spam content and bots in their feeds, along with additional features that provide transparency regarding the adherence of posted content to community guidelines.

The rollout of these tools is expected to take place gradually over the next few weeks.

Meta to Provide Automated Detection of Spams

In a statement, Meta emphasized the importance of proactively empowering users to manage their accounts and enhance safety measures. The suite of tools aims to streamline the process of moderating unwanted interactions, allowing users to focus more on content creation and audience engagement.

One significant aspect of the update is the improved automated detection of potential spam activities across various areas on Instagram. It includes spammy comments and tags, story views, and the identification of fake followers.

The enhanced detection mechanisms will also assist users in moderating fake followers and spammy tags in bulk, minimizing the time spent on account moderation. To further support users in controlling spam accounts, Meta is introducing tools for bulk removal of spam and bot followers and bulk rejection of spammy tags.

These features are designed to optimize the user experience by reducing the time spent on manual moderation tasks. The company also focuses on enforcement transparency by notifying users in-app about potentially violating and non-recommendable content.

This notification system allows users to promptly address issues and better understand Instagram's policies. As part of the suite of tools, suspected spam or bot accounts that are prevented from following users will be automatically filtered into a separate inbox for review.

Users can decide to approve or delete these accounts based on their assessment. According to Meta, the new tools offer flexibility and efficiency in managing follower lists without notifying the removed accounts.

Handling Spammy Tags on Instagram

In addition, users can expect improvements in handling spammy tags on Instagram. The platform lets users review and bulk delete potentially spammy tags, giving them control over their tagged content.

Tag requests that go unaddressed will be automatically deleted after 30 days. To enhance the user experience with Instagram Stories, Meta is experimenting with hiding views on stories that may be perceived as spam.

This measure is intended to reduce unwanted interactions from certain users. Meta is reinforcing its Advanced Comment Filtering to combat spammy or offensive comments.

The update aims to strengthen the platform's ability to detect and hide spammy comments, building on the existing Hidden Words tool. Lastly, Meta is testing in-app nudges to alert users if their posted content violates Recommendations Guidelines or Community Guidelines.

These nudges are intended to provide creators with additional information, helping them make informed decisions about retaining or removing content that may go against platform guidelines.