Instagram changes commenting filters

Instagram is the first social media platform to change how comments are filtered, now giving users the ability to decide what is or is not acceptable, or to remove commenting altogether.

As other platforms do, Instagram already has policies in place for certain language that is deemed unacceptable. However, this new change means that users can block comments if certain words are used, ensuring that they don't suffer offensive comments on their pictures.

Instagram's head of public policy, Nicky Jackson Colaco, said in a statement to the Washington Post: "Our goal is to make Instagram a friendly, fun and, most importantly, safe place for self expression."

High-profile accounts are being given this feature first, with it being rolled out to all users over the next few months. The move has been made in a bid to fight against the ongoing issue of online harassment - a problem that all platforms face.