- Meta is enhancing privacy and parental controls for Instagram accounts of users under 18, making them private by default.
- The changes aim to address concerns about social media’s impact on mental health among young users, amidst ongoing legal scrutiny.
OUR TAKE
The enhanced privacy features for teen accounts on Instagram reflects a critical step towards safer online environments for younger users. By implementing stricter privacy settings and parental oversight, Meta is acknowledging the responsibility it has in protecting adolescents from potential harm. This initiative could help mitigate the negative mental health impacts linked to social media use.
–Lily,Yang, BTW reporter
What happened
Meta Platforms has announced an overhaul of Instagram aimed at improving safety for users under 18. All designated accounts for this age group will automatically switch to “Teen Accounts,” which are private by default. Young users can only receive messages and tags from accounts they follow.
Sensitive content settings will be set to the most restrictive levels. Parents of users under 16 will need to grant permission to change these defaults and will have access to monitor their child’s interactions. The update also includes notifications urging teens to limit app usage and a sleep mode for nighttime. This rollout will begin within 60 days in select countries, including the U.S. and UK, expanding globally in January.
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Why it’s important
Instagram‘s implementation of enhanced privacy measures for teen accounts represents a significant shift for the social media platform when it comes to user safety, especially for young people. With growing evidence linking excessive social media use to mental health issues, these changes are timely and necessary. They reflect a response not only to public outcry, but also to legislative pressure that highlights the need for accountability in the tech industry.
Critics may say that while these measures are a step forward, they don’t fully address the underlying issues of addiction and harmful content. Meta‘s proactive stance could pave the way for healthier online interactions and potentially reduce the legal challenges it currently faces over the impact of its platform on teens.
