Instagram Uses Facebook’s Artificial Intelligence to Combat Trolls Online

This week Instagram introduced new tools to keep its platform “a safe place for self-expression.”

The popular, photo-based social network has leveraged artificial intelligence to block offensive content and spam. The technology is known as DeepText, which was developed by Facebook, who owns Instagram.

“These tools are the next step in our commitment to foster kind, inclusive communities on Instagram,” stated CEO Kevin Systrom.

The first tool, an automatic filter, passively blocks offensive comments on posts, as well as in live video. It can be toggled on or off at anytime and does not otherwise affect the function of comments, including the ability to report and delete them manually.

The second tool, a spam filter, automatically hides obvious spam comments across nine languages.

“Powered by machine learning, today’s filters are our latest tools to keep Instagram a safe place,” says Systrom. “The tools will improve over time, enabling the community’s experience of sharing to improve as well.”