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Instagram Will Start Blurring Out 'Sensitive Content'
Photo via @Laith_Ashley
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Instagram announced this week they'll begin censoring "sensitive" material with a blurred screen, even if the image does not violate any guidelines.
"As part of our goal to build a safe environment, we also have some updates to announce," they wrote on their blog. "Soon you may notice a screen over sensitive photos and videos when you scroll through your feed or visit a profile. While these posts don't violate our guidelines, someone in the community has reported them and our review team has confirmed they are sensitive. This change means you are less likely to have surprising or unwanted experiences in the app. If you'd like to see a post that is covered with a screen, simply tap to reveal the photo or video."
While we understand that the 12-year-olds and weird dads of Insta may not want to see lots of skin at every turn--or do they?--we can't help but wonder: isn't determining what is "sensitive" a dangerously subjective position? And didn't we just work through a similar issue with YouTube's "Restricted Mode"? Time will only tell if Instagram creates itself a whole new set of problems by blurring certain semi-nude bodies, while allowing others to remain fully exposed.
Related | YouTube to Adjust Restrictions on LGBTQ Content After Viral Backlash
There is one bit of good news: you'll still be able to get your daily dose of softcore Insta-porn by tapping on images to remove the blur. While we wait with bated breath as the end draws even nearer, here's a reminder of some of the images that could soon be blocked by Instagram's foggy shield:
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