Category: Tech News

Dell Technologies encourages businesses to use the learnings of the past year to foster innovation at speed. #Dell

Reflecting on a year which has seen many businesses transition to a remote working model, Dell Technologies today outlined how organisations in Ireland can use the learnings from the past year to continue transforming at pace to ensure a digital future.

Jason Ward, Vice-President and Managing Director, Dell Technologies Ireland said: “Over the past year technology enabled organisations to transform their business models so that they can continue to operate in a virtual environment. Embracing digital transformation has ensured that 40% of Ireland’s workforce could move to working from home practically overnight while close to one million young people were able to continue learning from home.

“But after a year of living with COVID, it is essential that Irish business leaders reflect on their experiences and bring the positive learnings into future plans to inform their future growth strategy. From the shift towards ecommerce and the changing nature of work, new business opportunities have emerged. Harnessing these opportunities will require organisations to accelerate the pace both of digital and cultural transformation.

“By embracing digital and cultural transformation at speed in the coming months, we believe businesses will be able to innovative at speed. That’s why today having reflected on the year just gone we’ve outlined some of the most important lessons from the pandemic. In taking these learnings into account, business leaders can ensure that advancements made last year through necessity can be built upon to foster a technology-enabled recovery in the future.”

Jason Ward, Vice-President and Managing Director, Dell Technologies Ireland

1. The stay-at-home economy is here to stay 

Businesses of all sizes have embraced the flexibility to work and operate from anywhere. SMEs, in particular, have leveraged Cloud technology to develop their online presence with ecommerce sales growing by over 24% in 2020 (CSO, 2020). With consumers increasingly moving online, Irish firms will need to develop intelligent software to personalise and fully-optimise the customer experience and modernise their IT infrastructure to support the growing demand for transactions and buying goods online.

2. The future of work is flexible, but it must be secure

Over recent months, it has become clear that the future of work is flexible. Employees have come to value the flexibility provided by remote working as they use technology to balance work and home commitments. This has been recognised by Government through the National Remote Work Strategy. With 94% of employees seeking to work remotely some or all of the time post-crisis, businesses will need to ensure they have secure devices and networks to maintain a hybrid workforce. Cybersecurity must be embedded at the heart of an organisation and a constant priority of its people.

3.Culture is key to building a productive hybrid workforce   

The remote working experiment of the past year has changed the concept of work forever – it is what you do and not a place you go. Now organisations are faced with the challenge of enhancing productivity amongst a workforce located both in the office and at home. To ensure a hybrid workforce thrives into the future, leaders will need to accompany digital transformation with cultural transformation. Built on trust, clear communication and company values, culture will prove key to building collaboration within the team.

4. A new era of always-on connectivity has emerged

Businesses and remote workers have relied on broadband and 4G technology to stay connected in the past year. The coming 12 months will see 5G technology unlock a new era of always-on connectivity. With 175 zettabytes of data to be created worldwide by 2025, 5G will enable businesses to gain real time insights from data wherever it resides – in the data centre, in the cloud or at the edge – and digitise their operations at a speed not seen before.

5. Technology will be consumed as-a-Service

As digital transformation accelerated at pace in 2020, and IT strategies become more complicated, businesses sought to make technology easier to deploy, consume and manage. Increasingly, they began to consume technology as-a-Service with the move to the Cloud enabled through this approach. In the coming year, organisations will move to everything as-a-Service which will help free up IT budget to invest in Artificial Intelligence (AI) capabilities that will transform the customer experience and to harness the power of data at the edge of a network – not just data in a cloud or data centre. With 75% of business data to be processed at the edge by 2025, this is where business innovation will be unlocked.

OPPO launches 2121 Future Photography Project. #dearfuture2121 #shotonOPPO

Get your Oppo smartphone camera ready.. OPPO, the world’s leading smart device brand, has launched the 2121 Future Photography Project, a campaign to encourage people from around the world to capture and share the everyday memories they want to preserve.

#dearfuture2121

The 2121 Future Photography Project invites people to share photos, accompanied by a message to the future; one they believe will resonate 100 years from now.

Inspiration for these shots can be taken from everyday moments: the people around them, their space or their natural environment. It’s a call-out to capture life’s meaningful memories, and to always hope for a better future.

Images and messages will be posted to Instagram, and tagged #dearfuture2121 and #shotonOPPO.

A winning combination

To encourage as many entries as possible OPPO has created a package of prizes and awards. Every participant has the chance to win one of 80 travel opportunities with a $400 fund for a future trip to visit friends, families or longed-for destinations.

An additional 200 participants, whose photos are selected to feature on OPPO’s official website and Instagram account, will receive a full-year access to professional photography courses on Masterclass.

A final 50 winners, selected by a team of professional photographers, will receive an exclusive display of their photographs on OPPO’s official website and social media platforms at the end of the campaign.

For more information, please find: https://events.oppo.com/en/2121-future-photography-project/

Six million batteries recycled through top five supermarkets last year. #WEEE #EarthDay #Recycling

Almost six million batteries were recycled through five supermarkets last year as more people used their grocery shop to do their bit for the planet. Despite the encouraging data, for every 10 AA batteries sold on the market, only four are returned for recycling, with 20% in a recent survey admitting to dumping used batteries in general waste bins.

To coincide with Earth Day today WEEE Ireland is urging the public to gather old batteries for recycling and avoid dumping them in bins, from where they end up in incinerators, meaning precious metals are lost for good.

Aldi leads the charge

WEEE Ireland collected half of the huge haul from Aldi stores, which led the charge on 3.2million, double that of its German rival Lidl on 1.6million.

The e-waste recycling scheme also picked up 850,000 used batteries from Tesco and 224,000 from SuperValu, while Dunnes Stores prevented over 97,000 ending up in landfill.

In total, the equivalent of 21 million AA batteries were recycled by householders in 2020 through retailers and civic amenity sites – an average of four for everyone in Ireland.

“Earth Day is an opportunity for people to stop for a moment to think about how they can make a difference. Recycling batteries is as easy as taking them to your nearest supermarket or recycling centre and plays a huge part in helping protect the environment,” said Leo Donovan, CEO of WEEE Ireland.

Six million batteries were recycled through Ireland’s main supermarkets last year, but Leo Donovan, CEO of WEEE Ireland, warns that 20% of us are ignoring the green message and dumping used batteries in general waste bins. Picture: Conor McCabe Photography.

“Rolling lockdowns saw people use more home grooming devices such as electric shavers, games consoles, remote controls, kids’ toys, power tools and fitness equipment – resulting in more batteries being used and many of these ended up in drawers.

“For the millions of batteries not recycled properly every year, we lose precious elements and important resources that could be used again in manufacturing. The hazardous material they release also has an impact on human health and our environment.”

For every battery recycled, WEEE Ireland makes a contribution towards Laura Lynn – and it has confirmed a further €40,000 donation to the children’s hospice.

The gesture will provide much-needed overnight respite stays for 19 children and their families at the hospice this year and brings its overall donation to Laura Lynn to €480,000 since the partnership first began back in 2011.

WEEE Ireland is the country’s largest e-waste recycling scheme, representing most of the Irish battery industry and household, electrical and electronic industry, which has a producer responsibility to organise and finance the environmental management of their products at end of life.

TP-Link Unveils Next-Gen Wi-Fi 6 Range Extenders with OneMesh. #WiFi #TPLink #OneMesh

TP-Link, a leading global provider of consumer and business networking products, today announced the UK expansion of its whole-home mesh offering —TP-Link OneMeshTM, a flexible and cost-effective whole-home networking solution. The roll-out coincides with the launch of two new and OneMesh compatible Wi-Fi 6 Range Extenders to deliver a complete offering to customers in the region. TP-Link OneMesh offers consumers more choices and options to experience whole-home Wi-Fi, without replacing existing devices or purchasing a whole new Wi-Fi ecosystem.

OneMesh provides a complete solution that allows TP-Link router users to enjoy a mesh experience by upgrading their router’s firmware and adding a OneMesh compatible Wi-Fi range extender to their existing devices. Simply connect a OneMesh range extender or Powerline extender to a OneMesh router, and the mesh network is formed to blanket the home in best in class WiFi.

Seamless coverage for the whole home

OneMesh eliminates dead zones and boosts signal strength via a single Wi-Fi network that covers every corner of the home, so users no longer have to wander around in search of a stronger signal or faster connection. OneMesh also intelligently connects mobile devices to a router or extender based on whichever provides the best connection. The OneMesh router and extenders create a seamless network under a single Wi-Fi name to ensure that users can stay online with the best connection levels as they roam from room to room, enjoying uninterrupted streaming, downloading, and more throughout their homes.

OneMesh features APS (Adaptive Path Selection) and Band Steering, which keeps the network running at top speed by intelligently choosing the fastest connection path for user data. Additionally, OneMesh’s self-healing feature ensures a stable Wi-Fi network to keep all devices connected, even when a Wi-Fi path has an issue. The network system automatically reroutes the data to fill gaps in coverage to keep users connected and online at all times.

Managing a OneMesh network is also extremely simple. Once created, users can manage their whole-home Wi-Fi by managing the central node via the Tether app or Web UI. Through these applications, users can easily adjust and customise wireless settings, including the Wi-Fi network name and password, to make their connectivity experiences easy, flexible and secure.

Bringing OneMesh to the UK

Amongst the OneMesh products available in the UK are the new AX1500 Wi-Fi Range Extender (RE505X) and AX1500 Wi-Fi Range Extender (RE605X). These products join the first OneMesh Wi-Fi range extender, the AC1200 Dual Band RE300, which, features up to 300 Mbps at 2.4 GHz and 867 Mbps at 5 GHz. Equipped with the latest wireless technology, Wi-Fi 6, for faster speeds, greater capacity, and reduced network congestion, the two new AX range extenders with OneMesh can support a single Mesh network, by connecting to a compatible router for seamless whole-home coverage.

OneMesh ready routers include the new Wi-Fi 6 routers, the AX6600 Tri-Band Router (Archer AX90), AX6000 Next-Gen WiFi Router (Archer AX6000) and AX1800 Dual-Band Router (Archer AX20), with more firmware upgrades planned in the coming months. The latest routers added to the OneMesh family feature alongside the TP-Link Archer C7, Archer A7, Archer C6 and Archer A6 to deliver a flexible and cost-effective mesh Wi-Fi solution for the modern home.

As the roll out progresses, more TP-Link products will support OneMesh capabilities, including wireless routers, range extenders, XDSL, 3G/4G routers, powerline adapters. All OneMesh compatible products in the TP-Link range currently available to UK customers can be found here: https://www.tp-link.com/uk/onemesh/product-list/.

“Seamless, whole-home wireless coverage has never been more important especially as post-pandemic hybrid working from home arrangements are going to be more common. Our mix and match OneMesh solutions enable users to enjoy a high speed reliable wireless connection in every corner of their home. We’re extremely proud to add a second mesh solution to our range giving customers the opportunity to customise their network to provide a total solution as we continue to rely on connectivity for work, education and entertainment.” Commented Will Liu, Managing Director at TP-Link UK.

For more information, please visit https://www.tp-link.com/uk/.

Sony introduces new X-Series range with 3 new powerful wireless speakers. #Sony #XSeries

Music is made to be shared and with the new X-Series speakers this is made even easier. All of the new speakers are specially designed to provide a powerful and wide-spreading sound to compliment any genre of music.

Whether you’re listening indoors or outdoors, by yourself or with a group of friends, the new X-Series speakers match everyone’s style. You can choose a speaker that perfectly suits your style with a wide range of choices on sound quality, portability, durability and lighting.

Listen loud and clear

Innovative X-Balanced Speaker Units

The speakers all feature Sony’s innovative X-Balanced Speaker Units. The non-circular diaphragm gives more sound pressure and less distorted sound by maximising the area of the speaker, which means you’ll get a richer, clearer sound no matter what style of music you’re listening to.

Omnidirectional Party Sound for XP700

The XP700 has three front High-efficiency Tweeters and one rear High-efficiency Tweeter delivering Omnidirectional Party Sound with punchy and deep bass and plenty of clarity.

Powerful Party Sound for XP500 and XG500

The XP500 and XG500 have two front High-efficiency tweeters that combine to give you Powerful Party Sound. Plus the XG500 features passive radiators that are optimised to reproduce clear bass sound and all together you get a great sound worth sharing.

MEGA BASS and LIVE SOUND

The MEGA BASS feature across the range allows you to dial up the bass on your speaker, providing you with deep and punchy bass.

With the new X-Series speakers you can enjoy your music like its live. With LIVE SOUND mode you can recreate that unique atmosphere and re-live your favourite music experiences, over and over again.

 Take the party outside

 The brand new XG500 has an IP66 Water resistant and dustproof rating that means you can enjoy powerful party sound just about anywhere. You can use it by the pool, at the park for a picnic or at the beach for a relaxing day and not have to worry about damage. The XG500 is made with durable water-repellent mesh that will keep the speaker dry and your music blasting.

Prepare your garden party for anything. The XP700 and XP500 have an IPX4 Water resistant rating, so you can keep your party going even if a few raindrops fall.

A portable party

Long lasting battery life

You can now take your sound anywhere with long lasting battery life on the XG500, XP700 and XP500.If you find your speakers running out of battery, there’s no need to worry with quick charging on these speakers.

All 3 speakers feature Battery Care Mode, which stops your speaker reaching 100% charge to increase the lifespan of the battery.

Comfortable carry handles

The new X-Series line-up all feature a comfortable handle that makes carrying it easy. If your speaker is in your room but you want to lay by the garden, you can simply pick up your speaker and go.

Light up your life

An all-new ambient lighting produces modern and subtle lighting. You can select a variety of different lighting patterns that can bring energy to parties or soothing sombre shades to a quiet night in.

Turn up the fun

 Karaoke

Love karaoke? Then you and the X-Series speakers will make a perfect double act. The speakers come with microphone and guitar inputs, making these speakers the perfect late-night entertainment.

Horizontal or vertical positioning

Both the XP700 and XP500 have multiple layouts and can be positioned either horizontally or vertically. Whichever way you choose, a sensor on the XP700 will optimise the sound for that layout and provide you with great sound.

Bluetooth® compatible

All three speakers are BLUETOOTH® compatible so you can pair the speaker directly to your BLUETOOTH® enabled device and have it streamed straight to your speaker.

Party Connect

All three speakers come with Party Connect to allow you to connect up to 100 compatible speakers, which then sync to the music and lights.

USB Ports

The new X-Series speakers come with USB play and USB charging to be the perfect party speaker. You can plug in and play music with a USB port to play your digital files. If your smartphone is running low on battery you can even plug it into the speaker and have it charged directly[12].

Sony | Music Center and Fiestable

The new line-up is compatible with both Sony | Music Center and Fiestable apps. With Sony | Music Center you can select playlists, cue the next song, change lighting patterns and sound modes all from the dance floor. Fiestable allows you to access fun features to help create the ultimate party atmosphere, such as making a party playlist, karaoke functions including Voice Changer and Echo, plus DJ control to add sound effects.

Pricing and availability

The SRS-XP700 model will be priced at approximately £449 / €500 and available from June 2021.

  • The SRS-XP500 model will be priced at approximately £319 / €369 and available from June 2021.
  • The SRS-XG500 model will be priced at approximately £379 / €429 and available from June 2021.

For product specifications, please visit: https://www.sony.co.uk/electronics/x-series

4K YouTube to MP3: Convert YouTube Videos to MP3 With Ease

4K YouTube to MP3 was specially designed to extract audio from YouTube, Vimeo, Facebook and other online video hosting services. No annoying and complicated settings, just a clean, simple and functional interface. Downloading is simple and straightforward: just copy the video link from your browser and click ‘Paste URL’. Done! 

And best of all, you can use YouTube to MP3 converter for free and enjoy sound anywhere, anytime, and of course, even when you’re offline!

An underground or any other place with poor internet is not a reason to give up your favourite content. Now let’s have a closer look at the tool that can easily convert any video to MP3.

What is 4K YouTube to MP3 

4K YouTube to MP3 is a desktop solution specially designed to convert videos to audio formats.

Despite its name, 4K YouTube to MP3 also allows you to save soundtracks and entire YouTube playlists from videos in OGG and M4A formats, and you can choose between different bitrates to pick the right balance of speed and quality.

It supports not only YouTube. You can also use it to save audio from videos hosted on Vimeo, Flickr, Facebook, SoundCloud, and more. Just copy the link from your browser and hit the green ‘Paste URL’ button to get started.

Best of all, unlike some YouTube to MP3 converters, 4K YouTube to MP3 doesn’t come bundled with additional software. Upgrading to the premium version for a one-time fee will allow you to download entire YouTube playlists and channels, but the free software is also perfect for everyday use!

The application is available for PC, Linux and macOS. The tool supports MP4, MP3, MP4A, MKV, OGG, FLV, 3GP formats and includes these sites as supported sources: YouTube, Facebook, Vimeo, TikTok and many others.

4K YouTube to MP3 Features 

4K YouTube to MP3 offers many features that make it so convenient and worth trying.

Here are just some to name. 

Downloads Search Bar

If you download many videos to convert to MP3 or save lots of audio content from YouTube, SoundCloud, Vimeo or others, your downloads list is certainly rather long. 

Luckily, 4K YouTube to MP3 offers a downloads search feature which helps you quickly search through your complete downloads list and find the file you are looking for.  

Besides, you can sort your downloads list alphabetically by their name. This can be done either from A to Z or in reverse order from Z to A.

Built-in Browser 

4K YouTube to MP3 also has a browser built-in, which means you can go to YouTube, Instagram, or any other website supported and find the video you want to download as MP3 right in the app. 

Just click on the website icon, find the content, and click the Download button and the software to start downloading the video to your computer. 

Download Entire YouTube Channel and Playlists

One of the most useful features of this software is downloading entire channels and playlists option. That can be very useful, especially if you want to download your entire channel’s library as audio files. 

Many Download Settings 

4K YouTube to MP3 also offers a plethora of settings that can help you customise your experience the way you want. 

You can change the audio quality and the audio format you want to use, the download path, set limits on the download speed available to the app, alter the notification settings, and more.  

Pricing and Fees 

4K YouTube to MP3 is free to use. However, the app offers a license that you can buy to unlock additional features, including unlimited downloads, concurrent downloads, ad-free usage, and the ability to download entire channels, etc.

Licenses start from $15 for a Personal license and go up to $65 for a Bundle that includes licenses for 4K Video Downloader Pro and 4K Stogram Pro, and 4K YouTube to MP3.  

How to Convert Video to MP3 

 

  1. Install 4K YouTube to MP3 on your desktop. It’s available for macOS, Windows and Linux. 
  2. Copy the link to the desired video from a web browser or built-in app browser. 
  3. Click “Paste link” in the upper left corner of the tool’s main window.

That’s it!

The copied link is automatically taken from the clipboard. You don’t need to press Cmd + V / Ctrl + V. After that, a window appears where you select the resolution and frame rate, format, and the folder where the audio should be saved. 

When the audio is downloaded, you can open it in your default player or in the in-app player. 

Give it a shot today and use 4K YouTube to MP3 for free! 

Konftel Strengthens Climate Neutral Ethos. #Konftel #beclimateneutral

In an era of agile working with huge demand for conferencing and collaboration hardware, protecting the planet is just as important as connecting the world, for pioneering manufacturer Konftel.

The company was the first in the collaboration devices sector to earn official Climate Neutral certification – which has now been successfully extended for the second year in a row.

Climate Neutral Certified status means all greenhouse gas emissions have been offset, across all aspects of the business, from manufacturing and product packaging to transportation. Konftel continues to cut impact at source too with a series of new initiatives announced.

By investing in worldwide carbon credits, forest conservation, renewable energy and carbon capture technologies all benefit. Forest conservation in Zimbabwe, water filtration in Cambodia and renewable energy in India are some of the many projects to be supported by Konftel so far. 

Being a trendsetter is nothing new for Konftel, according to CMO Stefan Eriksson who cites how the booming business was the very first to manufacture and sell a commercial conference phone more than 30 years ago. “It all started in a basement in Sweden when a bank director needed a conference phone in his office. Today we have grown into one of the biggest players in the world for collaboration endpoint solutions, bringing people closer together.”

CMO Stefan Eriksson

He added: “Konftel is certified for the second successive year with the Climate Neutral standard. This means we have offset all our greenhouse gas emissions and are taking action to further reduce those emissions. Today’s hybrid working trends has triggered a huge explosion is conferencing equipment sales. But buying from Konftel ensures our customers have a ‘clear climate conscience’ that there is no overall impact on the planet. We believe every company should #beclimateneutral”

 

He continued: “For us, it’s not enough to simply provide innovative technology, equipment and support which helps people communicate more effectively. We also have to pay attention to our own carbon footprint in a way which encourages others to do the same. Stealing a march on our sector rivals and leading from the front is part of our DNA. A Climate Neutral Certified label is displayed on all our products which we are rightly proud of.”

Konftel has generated record annual sales, with an expanding portfolio of innovative video and audio conferencing solutions. Its environment friendly credentials help give it the edge too – an ethos inherent throughout the company.

“Konftel and our other Climate Neutral Certified brands are leading the global shift to a net-zero economy by doing what all companies should be doing immediately: measuring, offsetting, and reducing their carbon emissions,” says Climate Neutral CEO, Austin Whitman. “Our label helps consumers identify these brands. It’s a recognisable and trusted symbol that turns everyday purchases into meaningfully positive climate action.”

As well as the investment in its carbon credit programme, Konftel will continue to reduce future business travel by staff, once the pandemic is over. It has replaced all plastic packaging for accessory cables with paper-based alternatives.

Furthermore new pledges include all company owned cars becoming electric by the end of 2021. Konftel will ‘climate-optimise’ packaging for all deliveries sent from its head office. This includes replacing plastic bubble wrap with recycled paper, minimising carton sizes, switching from plastic tape and using thermal labels that require less energy and generate less waste. In addition Konftel will explore options for improved energy efficiency at its biggest manufacturing sites.

Eriksson emphasised: “We find that our customers, our partners and our people really care about all of this. We have put it at the very heart of our business because it’s the right thing to do. Yes, the right thing from a commercial perspective, but also the right thing from an environmental and ethical perspective.

“We often get asked by customers and channel partners where we stand on climate neutrality and what we are doing to minimise our carbon footprint. The subject is a big player in the procurement process, and rightly so. It means our investment in carbon neutrality is even more valuable and our commercial offering is more compelling. It is a new tool in the sales tool box, no question.”

Eriksson concluded: “When customers buy from us, they know they are buying from an organisation which has no carbon footprint whatsoever; zero net emissions. This is a huge statement of intent. The technology we produce works in harmony with our climate neutral philosophy. More conference calling means less car and rail journeys, fewer flights, less-full offices, reduced gas and electricity consumption. The two strategies operate together. By choosing Konftel they really can conference with a clear climate conscience.”

CLCKR Partners with Richmond & Finch on Stylish Mobile Accessory Range. #CLCKR

CLCKR, the mobile phone accessory company, is proud to announce a partnership with Swedish lifestyle fashion brand, Richmond & Finch, bringing to market a range of stylish Universal stand and grips for any-sized mobile device.

Richmond & Finch’s mobile accessories are inspired by the latest fashion trends, and the collaboration includes new striking floral designs perfect for spring and summer to the CLCKR Universal stand and grip line.

CLCKR is a universal and multifunctional phone stand and grip enabling a firmer hold and multiple viewing positions. It’s easy to apply using 3M-adhesive and does not leave residue. CLCKR’s grip enables a firmer hold, safer use of your device and its ultra-strong design is compatible with most wireless chargers. There are numerous uses for CLCKR, including positioning your mobile phone in portrait, landscape or conference call mode.

●  Antimicrobial Protection kills up to 99.99% of germs

●  Wireless charging compatible

●  Easy one-hand usage for screen optimization

●  Clickable into portrait and landscape stand mode for easy viewing

●  Reusable 3m adhesive – residue-free attachment on devices

“We are very excited to partner with Richmond & Finch on this new range of CLCKR Universals,” said Phil Mulholland, Managing Director of CLCKR. “Our initial range of Universals appeal to our male audience, while this new line will surely draw the attention of female users with bright, floral designs that are sure to liven up your smart device.”

“Partnering with CLCKR offers an opportunity to blend the bold and expressive patterns Richmond & Finch is known for with the functionality of CLCKR’s Universal grip,” said Amelie Söderberg, CEO of Richmond & Finch. “This collaboration provides users with the best of both worlds, yielding a product that is sure to be just as functional as it is beautiful. We are excited to partner with CLCKR on this new line for spring.”

The new Richmond & Finch range features 6 fresh designs, including zebra print, magenta stripe and a selection of floral motifs. Available now from: https://www.clckr.com/uk/richmondfinch-collection

Instagram launches new tools to stop abuse. #Instagram #SocialMedia

Instagram have announced a new way to protect people from seeing abusive DMs  as well as the ability to prevent someone you’ve blocked from contacting you from a new account. Social media has been under big pressure to tackle such and much more is still needed to be done here to curb this kind of behaviour this is a step forward and lets see what the future hold, see the Press release below.

A new feature to filter abusive messages

We understand the impact that abusive content – whether it’s racist, sexist, homophobic, or any other kind of abuse – can have on people. Nobody should have to experience that on Instagram. But combatting abuse is a complex challenge and there isn’t one single step we can take to eliminate it completely. For example, we know that many in our community, particularly people with larger followings, have faced abuse in their DM request inbox from people they don’t follow.

Because DMs are private conversations, we don’t proactively look for hate speech or bullying the same way we do elsewhere on Instagram. That’s why we’re introducing a new tool which, when turned on, will automatically filter DM requests containing offensive words, phrases and emojis, so you never have to see them. This tool focuses on DM requests, because this is where people usually receive abusive messages – unlike your regular DM inbox, where you receive messages from friends. It will work in a similar way to the comment filters we already offer, which allow you to hide offensive comments and choose what terms you don’t want people to use in comments under your posts. You can turn both comment and DM request filters on and off in a new dedicated section of your Privacy Settings called Hidden Words.

We’ve worked with leading anti-discrimination and anti-bullying organisations to develop a predefined list of offensive terms that will be filtered from DM requests when the feature is turned on. We know different words can be hurtful to different people, so you’ll also have the option to create your own custom list of words, phrases or emojis that you don’t want to see in your DM requests. All DM requests that contain these offensive words, phrases, or emojis – whether from your custom list or the predefined list – will be automatically filtered into a separate hidden requests folder. If you choose to open the folder, the message text will be covered so you’re not confronted with offensive language, unless you tap to uncover it. You then have the option to accept the message request, delete it, or report it.

This new feature is designed to help protect you from potentially offensive or abusive DM requests, while also respecting your privacy. All message filtering will take place on your own device, which means this feature won’t send any message content back to our servers. Using this feature doesn’t share the content of your DM requests with us, unless you report them.

We’ll start rolling out this feature in Ireland and a number of other countries in the coming weeks and will look to expand to more countries over the next few months.

A new way to protect you from unwanted contact 

We’re also making it harder for someone who you’ve already blocked from contacting you again through a new account. With this feature, whenever you decide to block someone on Instagram, you’ll have the option to both block their account and pre-emptively block new accounts that person may create. This will be available globally in the next few weeks.

This is in addition to our harassment policies, which already prohibit people from repeatedly contacting someone who doesn’t want to hear from them. We also don’t allow recidivism, which means if someone’s account is disabled for breaking our rules, we would remove any new accounts they create whenever we become aware of it.

Continuing our work to combat offensive comments

As well as using our proactive detection technology to help catch violating comments, we offer a number of tools to help you control abuse in your comments. If you have a public account, you have the option to only allow comments from people you follow and/or are following you.

We’re also starting to hide common misspellings of offensive words from your manual comment filter list, so that even if a word you don’t want to see is accidentally or deliberately spelled wrong, you still won’t see it in your comments.

We know there’s still more we can do, and we’re committed to continuing our fight against bullying and online abuse. We’ll keep working in partnership with experts, industry organizations, teens, creators, and public figures to understand their experience on Instagram and how we can evolve our policies and products to protect them from online abuse.