Instagram is implementing stricter DM request policies to combat spam and harassment. Users will now be limited to sending a single message to someone they don’t follow, and they’ll have to accept the chat request before sending more messages. DM requests are also limited to text, and users won’t be able to send photos, videos, or voice messages.
The move is seen as a safety measure, particularly for women who frequently receive unsolicited and explicit content in their DMs. The new restrictions aim to halt this practice, although it may not prevent harassers from sending crude text messages.
This update comes as Instagram’s parent company, Meta, faces pressure to improve its anti-abuse measures, especially for teens. Critics have called for stricter rules, such as parental consent for teen users, to protect vulnerable demographics and prevent abuse on the platform. The new DM restrictions are part of the company’s efforts to address these concerns and enhance user safety.