(WTXL) - Starting today, Instagram will begin filtering out "bullying comments" on users' posts.
In a post on the social media platform's blog Tuesday, the company's co-founder and CEO Kevin Systrom writes that the "bullying filter" will hide comments that contain "attacks on a person's appearance or character, as well as threats to a person's well-being or health."
The CEO writes the newest filter will also alert moderators to repeated issues so they can take appropriate action. The filter is active for worldwide users and can be disabled in the 'Comment Controls center' inside the app:
The bullying filter joins Instagram's "offensive comment" filter that was rolled out last year. That filter blocks certain offensive comments on posts and in live video, especially those aimed at "at-risk groups."
The CEO says that Instagram is also expanding its policies to protect "young public figures" from bullying, saying that "protecting our youngest community members in crucial to helping them feel comfortable to express who they are and what they care about."
As part of their promotion of kindness, Instagram will also be hosting a Kindness Prom celebrating those who are spreading positivity.
"Since Mike and I founded Instagram, it’s been our goal to make it a safe place for self-expression and to foster kindness within the community," wrote Systrom in the blog post. "This update is just the next step in our mission to deliver on that promise."
To learn more about comment filters and how to customize the comments on your posts, visit the Instagram Help Center.
