Instagram’s ‘sensitive content’ controls will soon filter all recommended content

The Explore tab has a way for users to filter certain types of content. Users will be able to turn off that content in their recommendations.

It isn't clear how it defines sensitive content or what counts. The company framed sensitive content as posts that don't necessarily break our rules but could potentially be upsetting to some people, like posts that may be sexually suggestive or violent.

Soon, the expanded content controls will apply to search, Reels, #accounts you might follow, and in- feed suggested posts. Within the next few weeks, the changes will be rolled out to all users.

Rather than allowing users to hide certain content topics, the controls of the app only have three settings, one that shows you less of this bucket of content, the standard setting and an option to see more sensitive content. Users under the age of 18 won't be able to choose between the two settings.

The content controls category was described in a Help Center post as content that impeded our ability to foster a safe community. That also includes:

“Content that may depict violence, such as people fighting. (We remove graphically violent content.)

Content that may be sexually explicit or suggestive, such as pictures of people in see-through clothing. (We remove content that contains adult nudity or sexual activity.)

Content that promotes the use of certain regulated products, such as tobacco or vaping products, adult products and services, or pharmaceutical drugs. (We remove content that attempts to sell or trade most regulated goods.)

Content that may promote or depict cosmetic procedures.

Content that may be attempting to sell products or services based on health-related claims, such as promoting a supplement to help a person lose weight.”