Instagram has introduced new safety features aimed at protecting teen users that are well past due.
https://about.instagram.com/blog/announcements/instagram-teen-accounts
These changes include making accounts private by default for users under 16, improving parental controls, and restricting who can message teens. Parents now need to approve privacy setting changes, and Instagram is taking steps to limit harmful content and unwanted contact. These features apply to both new and existing accounts as part of Instagram’s broader efforts to address concerns about teen safety.
Instagram has faced criticism for failing to protect young users from issues like bullying and exploitation. To address this, the platform has introduced AI tools to detect underage users who lie about their age and partnered with a company to verify ages using facial analysis. Parents can now also monitor their teens’ Instagram activities, such as who they are messaging and the topics they explore.
While these updates are positive, questions remain about their effectiveness. Many teens are tech-savvy and might find ways to bypass the new safety measures. Instagram’s AI tools aren’t perfect, so it’s unclear how well they can catch underage users. Additionally, the increased parental oversight could cause privacy concerns for teens, especially those who use Instagram to explore personal topics like politics, sexuality, and identity. In households with strained relationships, this could lead to more issues. It will be interesting to watch how youth will attempt to by-pass this gating process and if they can’t if they migrate to another platform instead.
These changes come as governments around the world push for stronger online safety laws. Instagram’s updates may be an attempt to address concerns before stricter regulations are enforced. However, some critics argue that Instagram could have implemented these features much sooner.
Digital Food For Thought
The White Hatter
Facts Not Fear, Facts Not Feelings, Enlighten Not Frighten, Know Tech Not No Tech
