Instagram makes policies on abuse clearer

Instagram is making efforts to tighten up its reporting system, and even going as far as to clarify some of the rules that govern the social network. Specifically, the people at Instagram are looking to prevent revenge porn, and other forms of abuse on the social network. Many platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and even some blogging platforms, too, have been getting a closer look by those from the outside who feel that the way they’re being governed simply isn’t getting the job done.

However, one major hole in the system that Instagram has put fourth right now is the fact that there was no real change in the reporting system, or in the rules that govern the social network. Instead, Instagram simply highlighted some of the important rules, specifically those related to nudity, and posting images that don’t actually belong to you, and not much more. That will be a problem for those who feel like Instagram doesn’t go far enough to protect the rights of the individual, or protect the rights of those who feel as though they have been violated on the network.

Nicky Jackson Colaco, who is the director of public policy for Instagram, pointed out that, “In the old guidelines, we would say ‘don’t be mean’,” and that simply didn’t get the job done. She went on to point out that, “Now we’re actively saying you can’t harass people. The language is just stronger.” Which isn’t exactly an admission of positivity. While it’s a step in the right direction, especially if their previous rules fell that short – it doesn’t change the fact tat people can effectively still get away with the things that they have been currently getting away with – if no additional rule or regulation is enforced.

Enforcement is another issue, too, with Instagram. For the company that is owned by Facebook it is about selling the security of the entire brand to its users – who are significantly younger than the other generations of users on social networks. While the average age has continued to increase on social networks like Facebook, Instagram has seen a consistent age decline as the network has grown. For Instagram this is a step in the right direction, but this is only one small step – for the company and network as a whole.