Tag: Instagram
China now a ‘global disinformation superpower’, say researchers
China has become a major player in global social media manipulation campaigns, researchers say, amid an overall increase in the number of countries sharing misinformation online. According to the Oxford Internet Institute, organised social media manipulation has more than doubled since 2017, with 70 countries using computational propaganda to manipulate public opinion. The report says…
Instagram announces restrictions on diet and cosmetic surgery content
Instagram has announced that tighter restrictions are to be imposed on some posts related to diet products and cosmetic surgery. The social media platform said that age restrictions will be applied to some posts while others will be removed completely. Concerns have been raised about the impact diet, detox and cosmetic surgery content can have…
Twitter uses Instagram to take aim at rival
Twitter has taken aim at Instagram with a series of posts on the rival site highlighting the issue of cross-platform content sharing. In a sequence of six posts on the photo-sharing service, Twitter recreated a tweet from a user poking fun at the content on Instagram. instagram is literally just screenshots of tweets and i…
Instagram adds Augmented Reality effects tool
Instagram users are to be able to create and publish their own bespoke augmented reality (AR) effects on the social network for the first time. An update to the Instagram app will enable users to create their own virtual effects which can then be added to photos and videos posted to Instagram Stories. Augmented reality…
Facebook to add own name to Instagram, WhatsApp
Facebook is to add its own name to two of its most popular services – Instagram and WhatsApp – to more clearly signal its ownership of the social media platforms. The social networking giant confirmed the rebrand but has not said when it will take effect. It is understood the new names – Instagram from…
Instagram introduces in-app charity donations with new sticker
Instagram users can now raise awareness of and donate directly to charities following the introduction of a donation sticker to the Stories section of the social media app. The sticker is placed over a photo or video uploaded to a user’s Instagram Story and enables those who view and then tap it to donate to…
Instagram hopes hiding ‘Likes’ will reduce competition
Instagram has begun hiding likes and video views as part of a trial aimed at removing “the pressure” and shifting the focus to “sharing the things” its users enjoy. A spokeswoman said the trial for some users in countries including Ireland, Italy and Australia was aimed at stopping the platform from feeling “like a competition”.…
Instagram asks bullies to think twice before posting
Instagram has unveiled an anti-bullying initiative following high-profile cases such as the death of British teenager Molly Russell. The social media site has started rolling out a new feature that notifies people before they post that their comment may be considered offensive. Announcing the changes, the company’s chief executive Adam Mosseri said: “We can do…
Instagram influencer data discovered unprotected online
A database of personal information on millions of Instagram influencers has been discovered online. The database was stored on a server and was not protected by a password, leaving it vulnerable and accessible by anyone. According to US site TechCrunch, which first reported the incident, the database contained more than 49 million records, including private…
Instagram probed on impact of photo filters on body image
Senior Instagram executives have said that the social network is looking at the impact appearance-changing photo filters could have on young people’s well-being. The Facebook-owned platform has come under increased scrutiny following a number self-harm incidents. Karina Newton, head of public policy, and Vishal Shah, head of product at Instagram, were asked about the efforts…
