Instagram has introduced a new way to protect its users from seeing abusive DMs, as well as preventing someone blocked from contacting them from a new account.

Instagram has introduced a new tool, which when turned on, will automatically filter DM requests containing offensive words, phrases and emojis, so users never have to see them. This tool focuses on DM requests, as this is where people usually receive abusive messages. It will work in a similar way to Instagram's comment filters, which allow users to hide offensive comments and choose what terms they don't want people to use in comments under posts. Users can turn both comment and DM request filters on and off in a new dedicated section of Privacy Settings called Hidden Words.

Instagram is also making it harder for someone who users have already blocked from contacting them again through a new account. With this feature, whenever users decide to block someone on Instagram, they’ll have the option to both block their account and preemptively block new accounts that person may create. This will be available globally in the next few weeks.

This is in addition to Instagram's harassment policies, which already prohibit people from repeatedly contacting someone who doesn’t want to hear from them. 

In an online statement, Instagram affirmed: "We know there’s still more we can do, and we’re committed to continuing our fight against bullying and online abuse. We’ll keep working in partnership with experts, industry organizations, teens, creators, and public figures to understand their experience on Instagram and how we can evolve our policies and products to protect them from online abuse."