Meta's New 'Teen Accounts' Initiative Aims to Safeguard Young Instagram Users
On Tuesday, Meta unveiled its latest initiative aimed at enhancing the safety of underage users on Instagram, dubbed 'Teen Accounts.' This update seeks to address growing concerns about the platform's impact on young people's mental health and safety, particularly in light of rising pressures from various governments and advocacy groups.
Antigone Davis, Global Head of Safety at Meta, emphasized the significance of this update, stating it was developed to provide parents with peace of mind regarding their children's online interactions. With this initiative, profiles set up by users under the age of 18 will automatically be private, ensuring that only approved followers can view their shared content. For users aged 13 to 15 who prefer to have a public profile, parental approval will now be required.
Furthermore, the company is tightening restrictions on who can contact young users, as well as the types of content they can access. These measures are part of a broader effort by Meta to confront the increasing scrutiny it faces regarding the safety of minors on its platforms.
In an effort to promote healthier usage, Instagram will send alerts to users who exceed 60 minutes of daily use, reminding them to take a break. This update applies to both existing and new accounts, showcasing Meta's commitment to adapting its services to better protect its younger audience.
The move comes in response to mounting criticism from nearly 40 US states, which accused the company of endangering the mental and physical health of young users due to issues like cyberbullying and the promotion of unhealthy body standards. Similarly, Australia has recently proposed legislation that would enforce age limitations for social media access, targeting users aged 14 to 16.
Despite these measures, Meta has resisted implementing age verification protocols for all users. According to Davis, while the company will challenge users who seem to be providing inaccurate age information, it does not plan to mandate identification checks for its three billion user base, arguing it would be impractical for such a vast number of accounts.
In summary, Meta's Teen Accounts initiative reflects a proactive approach to addressing longstanding challenges associated with youth safety on social media. As the landscape continues to evolve, these updates may set a new standard for social media platforms in protecting vulnerable demographics.
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