Meta's New Privacy Measures for Teenagers on Instagram

New Privacy Settings for Teenagers

Meta will make teenagers’ accounts on its Instagram photo-sharing app private by default, as the industry comes under fire over social media’s impact on young people.

The $1.3 trillion platform announced that teenagers’ accounts would only be visible to their followers unless they or their parents change privacy settings. Users will encounter less sensitive content under the platform’s new “teen accounts” feature.

Parental Supervision and Content Control

Users aged 16 or over can amend their settings to make their profiles public and access sensitive content. However, users under 16 must opt into a “parental supervision” feature to gain permission.

Meta stated, “The new teen account protections are designed to address parents’ biggest concerns, including who their teens are talking to online and what content they’re viewing.”

Industry Response and Legislative Actions

Social media platforms have been criticized for inadequate protections for minors against harmful content. Meta is attempting to attract teen users to its app amidst competition from TikTok. Mark Zuckerberg previously issued apologies regarding the exploitation issues faced on the platform.

Meta plans to expand these privacy features globally throughout the year. The platform is developing technology to verify users’ ages and parental claims, along with providing parents oversight options.

• New settings require parental agreement.
• Congress measures aimed at child safety receive bipartisan support.
• Meta under investigation by the European Commission for ensuring minors' safety online.