Instagram is testing new tools to protect minors from sextortion.

Cracking Down

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Instagram is testing new tools to protect minors from sextortion.

Remind me what that is.

It involves coercing a person to send nude photos online and then threatening to share them unless the victim pays money or engages in sexual favors. In an effort to fight sexual scams on its platform, Instagram announced yesterday that it will be rolling out a new feature in the coming weeks that blurs nude images in minors’ DMs. The update will also discourage users from hitting send on nudes and gives the option to unsend them. The app updates will automatically turn on for those under 18. Instagram’s announcement comes as sextortion has been on the rise.

What do you mean?

The FBI has been sounding the alarm for a while now. Earlier this year, the agency said reports of sextortion involving money jumped by at least 20% from October 2022 to March 2023, with boys between the ages of 14 and 17 being the primary targets. At the same time, Instagram parent company Meta and other social media platforms have faced growing scrutiny from health officials and lawmakers for not doing enough to protect young people. While some are applauding Meta’s latest efforts, others say the social media giant is merely lifting a finger and can do more to protect its millions of underage users.

theSkimm

Instagram’s effort to protect youth from sexual scams is long overdue. As the company tries to correct course, it’s unclear whether it’ll be enough or if other social media companies follow suit.

What's being closed...

The so-called gun show loophole. Yesterday, the Biden administration authorized the biggest expansion of background checks for gun purchases in decades. The new rule, which is sure to face legal challenges, requires people who sell firearms online or at gun shows to register as federally licensed firearms dealers. That means the sellers would be required to run criminal and mental health background checks on prospective buyers. The rule goes into effect in 30 days.

…Oh and speaking of new gun measures, Tennessee is looking to allow K-12 public teachers to conceal and carry guns at school. It comes as a new survey showed that most K-12 teachers are at least somewhat worried of a shooting happening at their school.

Whose name is back in the headlines…

OJ Simpson’s. The NFL star turned murder suspect died of cancer on Wednesday. He was 76. In a statement yesterday, Simpson’s family said he passed “surrounded by his children and grandchildren.” Known as “The Juice” by his fans, Simpson played in the NFL for 11 seasons. However, his legacy was tarnished after he was charged with the murders of his ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson and her friend Ronald Goldman. Millions tuned in to watch the televised 1995 trial, which was dubbed the “trial of the century.” He was ultimately acquitted in the case.

Who’s facing the law...

Shohei Ohtani's former interpreter. Yesterday, Ippei Mizuhara was charged for bank fraud after allegedly stealing more than $16 million from the Los Angeles Dodgers player to pay off gambling debts. Officials say Mizuhara sent the money to an illegal sports gambling organization after stealing it from Ohtani's account. If convicted, he could face up to 30 years in prison. Officials consider Ohtani a victim and said he didn't authorize the money transfers.

Where things are heating up…

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s kitchen.

Who’s feeding our friends-to-lovers trope obsession...

Lady Whistledown.

When you need a longer vacation...

Consider an “adult gap year.”

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