Instagram has announced a big transformation to protect privacy and prevent the negative impacts of social media on users under the age of 18, in response to increasing concerns surrounding children’s online safety. Starting in weeks to come, Instagram accounts for users under 18 will be set to private, allowing only approved followers to view their content. The app will also stop delivering reminders to kids between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. to encourage better sleep habits. Furthermore, new parental supervision features will allow parents to see whose accounts their children have recently messaged, but not the content of those messages.
Instagram CEO Adam Mosseri stated that these modifications are intended to address important issues voiced by parents, such as inappropriate content, contact, and excessive screen time. This new project, called “Teen Accounts,” aims to create age-appropriate encounters on the app. Instagram hopes that these changes will protect teenagers from harmful interactions. Parents and advocacy groups have criticised social media platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat for exposing children to online predators, bullying, and harmful content such as material that promotes eating disorders and self-harm.
Despite these safety measures, numerous teens fake their age when registering on the website. While Instagram’s regulations restrict users under the age of 13, the platform is based on self-reported age data, thus the new options will only apply to users who identify themselves as children. Instagram claims it is developing technology to better detect underage accounts.
The adjustments are expected to have an impact on Instagram’s user growth and engagement, particularly among teens, although Mosseri stressed the need of prioritising safety. Other platforms, like as TikTok, have adopted similar procedures in recent years. While parents may appreciate these changes, experts warn that the children’s reactions will be critical, since the new capabilities may spark debates over privacy and personal freedom.
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