In an attempt at "fostering a safer, kinder community," Instagram will now censor sensitive content. This isn't Instagram changing its definition of banned content, but is instead an attempt at shielding sensitive eyes from seeing sensitive content.

Instagram has always had a simple policy when it comes to what is and isn't allowed on its service. Posts that violate the community guidelines are removed altogether, while everything else is visible to everyone. But Instagram is now adding some middle ground to that binary.

Blurring Sensitive Content From View

Sensitive content will now be hidden behind a blurred screen warning that, "This photo contains sensitive content which some people may find offensive or disturbing". All you need to do to reveal the photo or video hidden beneath is tap "See Photo".

Instagram defines sensitive content as a photo or video that has been flagged as inappropriate but which doesn't violate its community guidelines. The idea is that those of a sensitive nature can keep on scrolling without having to see content likely to upset them.

Even those who don't need protection from sensitive content may need help in moderating their own experience. So, in order to facilitate that, Instagram has also launched a new website designed to be a one-stop shop for moderation. This is where you'll find all the tools necessary to block accounts, remove followers, filter comments, and much more besides.

Moderating Your Own Experience

Recently, Instagram has made a concerted effort to ensure Instagram is a nice place to hang out. The new efforts outlined here [Broken URL Removed], which censor content for those who want protecting and help everybody learn how to moderate their own experience, represent an important step along that evolutionary path.

Do you use Instagram? Have you ever seen content you would have rather not seen? What do you think of Instagram shielding users from sensitive content? Should there be a middle ground between acceptable and unacceptable? Please let us know in the comments below!

Image Credit: Konrad Forstner via Flickr