Meta Platforms is taking steps to enhance protections for teenage users on Instagram and Facebook, aiming to prevent unwanted direct messages, according to an announcement made by the social media company on Thursday.
This move comes in response to increased regulatory pressure and concerns over the safety of younger users. Just weeks ago, Meta, the parent company of WhatsApp, had announced plans to increase content restrictions for teenagers, driven by regulatory demands to safeguard children from harmful content on its various platforms.
The heightened scrutiny intensified following a former Meta employee’s testimony in the U.S. Senate. The former employee alleged that the company was aware of issues related to harassment and other harmful experiences faced by teenagers on its platforms but had failed to take sufficient action to address these concerns.
To address these issues and improve user safety, Meta is implementing several key changes:
- Instagram Direct Messages: Teenagers will no longer receive direct messages from users they do not follow or have a connection with on Instagram by default. This change aims to reduce unsolicited communication and potential harassment.
- Parental Approval: Teenage users will now require parental approval to make certain changes to the app’s settings. This measure is designed to ensure that parents have oversight and control over their children’s online experiences.
- Messenger Restrictions: For users under 16 (or below 18 in specific countries), Messenger will only permit messages from Facebook friends or individuals connected through phone contacts. This step restricts communication to known contacts and aims to create a safer environment for younger users.
- Protection Against Adults: Meta is also taking measures to protect teenagers from interactions with adults who they do not follow. Adults above the age of 19 will be unable to send messages to teenagers who do not follow them on the platform.
These changes reflect Meta’s commitment to addressing concerns related to the well-being of teenage users on its platforms. By implementing these measures, the company aims to enhance safety and provide a more secure digital environment for younger individuals.
In summary, Meta Platforms is proactively taking steps to bolster protections for teenagers on Instagram and Facebook, responding to regulatory pressures and concerns over the safety of young users. These changes involve limiting unsolicited messages, requiring parental approval for certain settings, and restricting interactions with adults not in a teenager’s network. These actions represent Meta’s dedication to improving the online experiences of teenage users.
