In a significant move aimed at enhancing the safety of its younger users, Instagram has announced new privacy measures for accounts belonging to users under 18. This update will automatically set new accounts for teens to private and introduce new restrictions on direct messaging (DM). Initially, these changes will be rolled out in select countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia, with future implementation planned for other regions.
Why Instagram is Making This Change
Social media platforms have long been scrutinized for their impact on the mental health and well-being of younger users. Instagram’s parent company, Meta, has faced legal challenges and criticism regarding its platforms’ role in promoting addictive behaviors among teenagers. To address these concerns and strengthen protections, Instagram is now introducing stricter privacy and safety measures for its under-18 users.
With millions of teens using Instagram daily, this update marks an important step toward creating a safer environment. Meta aims to curb inappropriate interactions and protect younger users from potentially harmful content. Additionally, new age verification protocols are being developed to prevent minors from misrepresenting their age on the platform.
Which Countries Are Getting These Measures First?
Instagram will begin rolling out these privacy updates on Tuesday in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia. Over the next two months, the company plans to extend these protections to existing accounts in these countries. While Instagram has not set a specific timeline for other regions, it’s expected that European Union countries will follow suit later this year. India and other regions are anticipated to receive these updates in subsequent phases of implementation.
Key Measures Being Introduced
1. Default Private Accounts for Teens: For new users under 18, Instagram will automatically set accounts to private. This means that only approved followers will be able to see their posts, stories, and activity. The goal is to prevent unwanted interactions from strangers or potentially harmful individuals. While existing teen accounts will be transitioned to this setting gradually, users aged 16 and 17 will have the option to switch back to a public account if they choose to, though Instagram encourages them to remain private.
2. Restricted DMs for Teens: Instagram’s direct messaging feature has also undergone changes. For users under 18, DMs will only be possible with followers. This is designed to prevent unsolicited messages from adults or strangers. Additionally, sensitive content in DMs will be filtered out to ensure that young users are shielded from inappropriate material.
3. Sensitive Content Limitations: Teens will see limited exposure to content deemed sensitive or inappropriate for younger audiences. This includes posts related to cosmetic surgery, weight loss programs, and violent or graphic material. The platform aims to promote a healthier online experience and reduce the potential negative effects that such content may have on youth.
4. Time Management and Notifications: To encourage mindful usage, Instagram will send notifications to teens if they spend more than 60 minutes on the app. The platform is also introducing a “sleep mode,” which will automatically disable notifications between 10 pm and 7 am, ensuring that teens get an uninterrupted night’s rest.
Addressing Age Misrepresentation
One of the significant challenges Meta faces is the issue of teens misrepresenting their age when signing up for Instagram. To tackle this, the company is introducing stronger age verification measures. If a user tries to register with an adult birth date, they will be prompted to verify their actual age through various means. This system will help ensure that teens aren’t bypassing the new safety measures by pretending to be older than they are.
Additionally, Meta is investing in advanced technology capable of identifying users who falsely claim to be adults. This technology will use a combination of AI and machine learning to flag suspicious accounts and restrict their activity until age verification is completed.
A Response to Growing Legal and Social Pressure
Instagram’s updated privacy policies come at a time when Meta is facing increasing pressure from lawmakers, parents, and advocacy groups concerned about the safety and mental health of teenagers on social media. In the US, several states have filed lawsuits against Meta, accusing the company of knowingly contributing to mental health issues in young users by designing addictive features. These lawsuits highlight the broader societal concerns surrounding social media’s role in the well-being of minors.
Meta’s introduction of these new safety features is a proactive step in addressing these concerns. By offering more robust protections for teens, Instagram aims to create a safer and more positive space for its youngest users.
