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Meta Implements New Measures to Protect Teens from Unwanted Messages on Instagram and Facebook
Meta Platforms is introducing new safeguards to protect teens from unwanted direct messages on Instagram and Facebook. Default settings on Instagram will prevent teens from receiving messages from individuals they do not follow or have no connection with. Parental approval will be required for certain settings on the app.
In a bid to enhance the safety of its younger users, Meta Platforms has announced the implementation of additional safeguards to prevent unwanted direct messages on Instagram and Facebook. The move comes in response to growing concerns about the exposure of teens to harmful content on social media platforms.
This decision follows Meta's recent commitment to hide more content from teenagers, as regulators have been urging the company to take stronger measures to protect children using its apps. The scrutiny intensified after a former Meta employee testified in the U.S. Senate, alleging that the company was aware of the harassment and harm faced by teens on its platforms but failed to take appropriate action.
As part of the new measures, Meta has made changes to the default settings on Instagram. Teen users will no longer receive direct messages from individuals they do not follow or have no connection with. Additionally, certain settings on the app will now require parental approval before they can be modified.
On Facebook Messenger, accounts belonging to users under the age of 16 (and under 18 in certain countries) will only receive messages from individuals who are Facebook friends or those they are connected to through phone contacts. Furthermore, Meta has prohibited adults over the age of 19 from messaging teens who do not follow them.
These measures aim to create a safer online environment for young users, reducing the risk of unwanted messages and potential exposure to harmful content. By limiting direct communication to trusted connections, Meta hopes to mitigate the potential for harassment and other forms of harm that teens may encounter on its platforms.
Meta Platforms is introducing new safeguards to protect teens from unwanted direct messages on Instagram and Facebook.
Default settings on Instagram will prevent teens from receiving messages from individuals they do not follow or have no connection with.
Parental approval will be required for certain settings on the app.
Source: REUTERS