Instagram decided on the change after a public outcry following Ms Russell’s suicide. Instagram chief Adam Mosseri said the company has not done enough to keep people safe.
Mr Mosseri said Instagram would be removing the images, “as quickly as we can, responsibly”. Instagram currently relies on users to report graphic images of self-harm.
In addition to banning images of self-harm, Instagram said it will not promote non-graphic self-harm-related content like healed scars or through hashtags or the explore tab, though they’re not removing the content entirely as not to “stigmatise or isolate people who may be in distress and posting self-harm-related content as a cry for help”.
Mr Russell was buoyed by Instagram’s commitment, and in an interview with the BBC called on other social media to follow suit.