The photo-sharing platform will offer security to its users with temporary message senders, a new feature that will block screenshots of the temporary messages.
Instagram is implementing the screenshot blocking on all Direct Messages captured in "Vanish Mode" or when "View Once" has been applied to content.

Originally added all the way back in 2020, Vanish Mode is basically IG's version of Snapchat messages, with users able to set their messages to self-destruct as soon as the recipient leaves the chat.

Users can also set their images and video to "View Once" in IG DMs, through which you can also allow replays or not, if you choose.

Instagram has had this feature for a long time: a mode to alert the creator when a recipient takes a screenshot in these modes, something that is its own form of disincentive and transparency. A complete disallowance, on the other hand, would be much more explicit-a much stronger measure-and may be especially helpful for younger users.

The age of social media has brought with it all new forms of digital bullying, many of which can be founded on tricking people into saying things that might get them into trouble with others, or getting them to share intimate images. Screenshots of these can then be reshared in other forums, provoking broader issues for victims.

Therefore, it is better to completely block screenshots, but there is always a chance that users could take a screenshot using another device.

That's why the safest strategy is not to post anything online that you wouldn't be proud of in public. Of course, no matter how often that advice gets thrown around, it's much easier to say than to keep front of mind in action, especially for teens who are still learning relevant social dynamics.

Block screenshots a much better option than the above solutions - it won't ever solve the problem entirely, but it's a good place to begin.

iOS and Android now permit apps to lock screenshots of particular elements inside apps.