Instagram launches AI-backed features to combat bullying
Photo-sharing service Instagram has launched a new set of AI and machine learning-powered features to combat bullying on the platform. The tools, first product announcement from Instagram's new head Adam Mosseri, will automatically flag posts with offensive content. Then, they will send the posts in question to human moderators for further review and action. Here are the details.
Expansion of comment moderation capability
Building on last year's 'comment-filter' feature, the new tools use AI to identify and report words, phrases, and photos hinting at signs of bullying. They analyze posts, their captions as well as comments posted during live videos. However, as there's always some chance of incorrect reporting, the flagged content would then be analyzed by human moderators before being removed.
How photos are flagged via AI?
As of now, it is unclear what exact factors Instagram's AI would consider to identify posts of bullying nature. However, in a statement to The Verge, a spokesperson from the company said the tools might look for signs of demeaning somebody. For instance, it might look for split screen photographs comparing two individuals in a negative sense or making fun of one of them.
Kindness Camera Effect
Along with the new tools, Instagram has also introduced a new 'Kindness Camera Effect' to spread "happiness" on the platform. The filter, when used to post a story with selfie camera, fills the image with hearts and encourages the user to tag a friend. And when switched to the rear, it adds an overlay of 'kind comments' into the photo in several languages.
Can Facebook protect Instagram from itself?
The move to spread kindness on Instagram comes even as Facebook battles the aftermath of a massive data breach. Further, Instagram has its own issues - first, its founders resigned and then the case of global outage. But, overall, its reputation hasn't been tainted, at least not like Facebook's. The latest features are being rolled out and will be delivered worldwide in coming weeks.
