Instagram FINALLY promises to ban graphic self-harm pictures

INSTAGRAM has vowed to ban all graphic self-harm images from its site - but has failed to say when.

Instagram boss Adam Mosseri announced the shake-up after ministers threatened new laws to arrest tech bosses if they fail to protect young users.

The app was blamed for helping to kill tragic schoolgirl Molly Russell

Mr Mosseri admitted the company, owned by Facebook, has been far too slow and “under-focused” on the threat the images pose to vulnerable girls online.

But despite vowing to clean up his site he set no time-scale for the ban.

He said: “We are actually going to change our policy.

“So historically we have allowed content that is related to self-harm that is admission – because people sometimes need to tell their story. But we haven’t allowed anything that promoted self-harm.

“But moving forward, we are going to change our policy to not allow any graphic images of self-harm, whether or not it is admission or promotion.”

'HOLDING TECH FIRMS RESPONSIBLE'
The reforms are a major victory for Health Secretary Matt Hancock, who had threatened a legal crackdown on tech giants if they failed to clean up their act.

The Instagram boss admitted some self-harm images would still be allowed to stay online – for example someone showing their scars.

But he promised these images will no longer show up on hashtags or in searches.

The radical shake-up comes after the tragic death of Molly, 14, who killed herself after viewing scores of self-harm images on the site.

Her devastated father Ian accused Instagram of “helping” to kill his daughter.

And it prompted other heartbroken parents to tell how the dark world of social media had fuelled their children’s spiral into depression.

Mr Mosseri and other tech bosses were hauled into a meeting yesterday afternoon with Mr Hancock.

Cheifs from firms inlcuding Facebook and Google were also grilled on what they are doing to crack down on abuse and suicide images online.

Digital Minister Margot James said Instagram’s commitment is a “good start” - but warned they could still face tough new laws.

Ministers have threatened to reclassify social media giants as publishers, meaning bosses would be liable for their content and face hefty fines and even arrest.

She said tech giants still face “legislation and proper regulation in law” enforced by a “powerful independent regulator”.

Ms James said: “We are going to be holding tech firms responsible, ultimately, for what is on their sites.”

But Instagram faced criticism for still resisting calls for an age verification system on its platform.

Chief Medical Officer Dame Sally Davies said: “I don’t accept that age verification isn’t possible.

“They have to come up with a proposal and they have to find it.”

Mr Hancock welcomed the reforms, saying: “What happened to Molly Russell is every parents’ modern nightmare.

“Glad Instagram have committed to me they will now take down graphic self-harm and suicide content.

“I’ll keep working to make the internet safe for all.”