Amidst the rise in so-called sextortion, Instagram has said that it will start testing new tools within weeks to fight “sextortion”, a form of blackmail involving intimate pictures sent online.

They include “nudity protection”, a tool that blurs naked images in direct messages, BBC News reported. Users under the age of 18 will have this by default.

The social media platform would also test pop-ups directing potential victims to support. Experts and governments have warned of the increasing threat to young people from sextortion.

There have been incidents where victims have said being sent a nude picture before being invited to send their own in return. Criminals have threatened victims with leaking their pictures if they do not meet their demands.

On Wednesday, two Nigerian men pleaded guilty to sexually extorting teenage boys and young men in the US, including one who took his own life.