Instagram to take measures to stop spread of Russian propaganda, provide community help on platform

Instagram has said that it will take steps to stop the spread of Russian propaganda on its platform, while also taking measures to protect the privacy of users across Ukraine and Russia. 

Instagram said that it will begin down-ranking posts from Russian state-affiliated media. It will place stories from Russian Media outlets below content from other sources. 

If a user wishes to share stories originating from Russian propaganda accounts, a pop-up message will offer a word of caution against sharing posts from Russian state-controlled media. 

“To help protect our communities in Ukraine and Russia, we will now be hiding information about people’s followers, whom they’re following and people who are following each other for private accounts in these countries,” Instagram said in an update on March 8. 

Additionally, users in Russia and Ukraine will get extra tools such as Your Activity and Download your Information. While your activity feature will help people to bulk delete content, the Download your Information feature will help people to get a copy of their Instagram data, such as posts and stories.  

If a post is suspected to be from the Russian media, the app will show a warning which reads, “Instagram believes the account that created this post may be partially or wholly under the editorial control of the Russian government.”  

Additionally, Instagram also announced steps to help the community access crucial resources, and also take action to support people in need. The Community help section will allow users to seek information from local United Nations agencies and Red Cross societies. It will also contain details on assistance for users who have crossed into neighbouring countries, with access to Ukraine’s State Emergency Services information helpline on WhatsApp.