Instagram will now let you automatically censor ‘unkind’ comments

The photo-sharing website Instagram has unveiled a new moderation system which lets users automatically censor "unkind" or "inappropriate" comments.

Anyone who uses the selfie-led social network will now be able to select words they find troubling or concerning and then ban any comments which use the unmentionable phrase.

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This is likely to be warmly welcomed by the gentle souls of Generation Snowflake, who have a pathological fear of encountering views they disagree with.

However,  are likely to see the new system as yet another form of online censorship, particularly if all their friends end up banning them after a particularly angry rant.

The system will be useful for anyone who feels sensitive about their appearance, because they could simply silence any comments which feature words like "fat" or "big ears", depending on which body part they feel insecure about.

It will also be handy for anyone who comes under attack from trolls or bullies, because the offenders can be shut down with little more than a button press.

Kevin Systrom, co-founder of Instagram, said he wanted to make sure the community remained "positive and safe".

In a blog post, he wrote: "The beauty of the Instagram community is the diversity of its members.

"All different types of people — from diverse backgrounds, races, genders, sexual orientations, abilities and more — call Instagram home, but sometimes the comments on their posts can be unkind.

"To empower each individual, we need to promote a culture where everyone feels safe to be themselves without criticism or harassment.

"It's not only my personal wish to do this, I believe it's also our responsibility as a company. So, today, we're taking the next step to ensure Instagram remains a positive place to express yourself."