Meta unveils new safeguards for teens on Facebook, Instagram

Meta, the social media platform, has revealed additional measures to safeguard teenage users from unwarranted direct messages on both Instagram and Facebook.

It announced that teenagers on Instagram will no longer receive direct messages from individuals they do not follow or have no connection with by default. Additionally, specific app settings will now necessitate parental approval for modification.

Meta emphasized that it is implementing adjustments to default settings for teens on Messenger. Specifically, individuals under 16 (or under 18 in certain regions) will now exclusively receive messages from Facebook friends or individuals connected through phone contacts.

Big news! 🎉 We’re rolling out exciting new updates on Facebook and Instagram designed to help keep teens safe online.

🔒 New private messaging defaults for teens

✅ Enhanced parental supervision features

Get all the details here 👉 https://t.co/J4Oc0esAGT

— Meta (@Meta) January 25, 2024

Adults over the age of 19 cannot message teens who don’t follow them, Meta added.

Also Read: Regulatory scrutiny: Meta restricts more teen content

2️⃣ Parents using Instagram’s parental supervision tools will be prompted to approve or deny teens’ requests to change their default safety and privacy settings to a less strict state. pic.twitter.com/G2459NG4CV

— Meta (@Meta) January 26, 2024

The decision follows weeks after the owner of WhatsApp pledged to further conceal content from teens, responding to regulatory pressure urging the world’s leading social media network to enhance safeguards for children against harmful content on its apps.

Regulatory scrutiny intensified after a former Meta employee testified in the U.S. Senate, alleging that the company was cognizant of harassment and other harms affecting teens on its platforms but neglected to take decisive action against them.