Instagram is issuing tougher consequences for users who send hate speech in direct messages (DMs). The platform is making these changes in light of the hate-fueled messages targeting UK soccer players.

DM Abusers May Now Get Permanently Banned

In a post on the About Instagram Blog, Instagram announced that it will be taking a tougher stance on hate speech in DMs. The platform acknowledged the "racist online abuse targeted at footballers in the UK," and stated that it doesn't "want this behavior on Instagram."

As of right now, users who send a DM with hate speech get temporarily banned from sending messages on the app. Once Instagram implements these new changes, the platform will permanently ban accounts that repeatedly violate its rules in DMs.

Instagram also noted that it will disable any new accounts that offending users create in an attempt to skirt around Instagram's restrictions. Lastly, it stated that it will keep up its efforts to disable accounts "that are created purely to send abusive messages."

While you can already report users for hate speech on Instagram, the platform is also working on expanding its tool that lets users block DMs from accounts they aren't following.

Eradicating Hateful Content on Instagram

Hate speech on social platforms isn't always obvious and out in the open. DMs definitely aren't safe from hate speech, and Instagram's latest update will hopefully help keep abusive users off of the platform.