Updates to Instagram’s Sensitive Content Control feature

  • Instagram has announced an update to the Sensitive Control feature.
  • The feature currently lets users limit how much sensitive content they encounter from accounts they don’t follow on the Explore tab.
  • The update will now allow users to control the amount of sensitive content and accounts in Search, Reels, Accounts You Might Follow, Hashtag Pages and In-Feed Recommendations
  • The original three options (Allow, Limit (default) and Limit Even More) are also being renamed to “More”, “Standard” and “Less” – for users under 18 the ‘More’ option is unavailable.
  • The update will be available to all users in the coming weeks.
  • You can read the full story on the Instagram Blog website.

The Safety Check feature in iOS 16 aimed at helping those in abusive relationships

  • Apple has announced a new feature called ‘Safety Check’ for iOS 16.
  • iOS 16 is due to be released after the summer.
  • The feature can help users manage app access and passwords and inform them who has their passwords and information.
  • This aims to help people in abusive relationships cut ties to an abusive partner across devices by reviewing and revoking access across multiple apps.
  • Users can also utilise the Emergency Reset feature, which immediately resets access for all people and apps at once across devices synced on an iCloud account.
  • You can read the full story on The Verge’s website.

DCMS names first certified digital identity service provider

  • The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) has named the partnership between the Post Office and Yoti, as the first certified digital identity service provider (IDSPs).
  • It has updated its guidance on the plans for digital identity certification for right to work, right to rent and criminal records checks.
  • The guidance is currently in the alpha phase, with a beta version scheduled for publication in the summer to certify the IDSPs.
  • You can read the full story on the UKAuthority‘s website.

Force social media firms to hand over data linked to child suicides

  • Thirty-seven charities in the UK are calling for social media firms to be required by law to hand over data linked to children’s suicides.
  • The charities, including the NSPCC, Barnardo’s and 5Rights urge that families should be given access to data in cases where a child had died or been seriously harmed.
  • The plea states that Ofcom should be given powers to oversee a mechanism where families and law enforcement agencies and coroners can access the data.
  • The charities have recommended social media executives should be held criminally liable for breaches of their duty of care and face jail if they fail to protect children.
  • You can read the full story on the Telegraph’s website.

Drug dealers using social media to sell cocaine and cannabis to children

  • Findings from ITV News Meridian show that social media platforms like Instagram and Snapchat are being used by dealers to sell drugs.
  • The investigation uncovered dozens of open and public accounts appearing to advertise substances such as cocaine and cannabis.
  • The findings have raised concerns that more needs to be done to tackle illegal online practice and to educate young people about the dangers of drug use.
  • You can read the full story on the ITV website.