Meta platforms have now implemented the ‘Teen Accounts‘ feature on their Facebook and Messenger as well. This step has been taken at a time when Meta has been accused of not doing anything to protect minor users from online dangers. Earlier this feature was implemented on Instagram, and now it is being implemented on Facebook and Messenger as well. It includes better privacy settings and parental controls, so that parents can monitor their children’s social media activities.
Why this step is important
Meta’s decision comes at a time when some US lawmakers have become active in enacting laws such as the ‘Kids Online Safety Act’ (KOSA), which aims to protect children from harm caused by social media. Apart from Meta, companies such as TikTok (ByteDance) and YouTube (Google) are also facing hundreds of lawsuits related to social media addiction from children and schools. According to the information, in 2023, 33 US states, including California and New York, sued Meta, alleging that the company was misleading people about the dangerous nature of its platform.
Meta’s statement: Children’s safety is a priority
Meta has said that now users under the age of 16 will have to take parental permission to go live. Apart from this, if any nude picture is received in the direct message, the company will automatically blur it. This step has been taken to increase the safety of children on the platform, so that minors can be protected from online harms. Meta took feedback from children and parents before implementing this feature, and has updated it based on their suggestions.
New rules will be implemented soon
In July 2024, the US Senate approved two important bills, including KOSA and ‘The Children and Teens’ Online Privacy Protection Act’. Both of these bills hold social media companies accountable for the impact of their platforms on children and teens. Although the Republican-led House did not vote on KOSA last year, recent hearings made it clear that they are in favor of bringing new laws to protect children. These new rules implemented by Meta could prove to be another step in this direction.
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