Instagram adds word filter for comments moderation

Instagram’s latest play in the battle against comment spam and abuse is a rather simple one. According to a new blog post published on the company’s Blog, the new feature takes the form of a keyword blocklist.

“Now, when you tap the gear icon on your profile, you’ll find a new Comments tool. This feature lets you list words you consider offensive or inappropriate. Comments with these words will be hidden from your posts. You can choose your own list of words or use default words we’ve provided,” the company’s CEO Kevin Systrom explains on the blog.

Instagram hopes that the blocklist will help individuals gain power over their comments

“This is in addition to the tools we’ve already developed such as swiping to delete comments, reporting inappropriate comments and blocking accounts.”

According to Systrom, the new feature should help Instagram become a “welcoming community where people could share their lives”.

The new feature is currently available in the latest version on iOS and Android.