As part of the sweeping changes to safety coming to the social networking app , Instagram will now allow parents to view who their children message. This is in response to concerns about online grooming and sexual exploitation.
Meta, the company that owns Instagram, will tighten privacy settings on Instagram for millions of teens. Under-18s will be automatically placed in “teen accounts” with more restrictions. Users under 16 years old will need parental permission in order to disable certain privacy settings. This means they must link their account with that of an adult.
Instagram posted a blog that said “Teen Accounts have built-in security features which limit who they can contact and what content they see. They also offer new ways for teens explore their interests.” Teens under 16 years old will need to ask their parents for permission before they can change these settings.
Parents will be able to monitor their children’s communications in the past seven days using the “parental monitoring” feature. However, the content of the messages will remain private. The new changes will automatically make teen accounts private. This means that strangers cannot view their posts.
It is only possible for an adult to alter the privacy settings of their Instagram account. Adults linked to the account of a child will be able implement a social-media curfew for their child’s application, blocking it from 10pm to 7am.
Meta announced that it will also begin implementing stricter age verification checks in 2025 for millions of children who are currently using Instagram.
The company has developed a new technology that will check whether users are being honest about their age. If the company finds that they are younger than 18, their account will be changed to a teen one.
Meta announced that it will be adding teen-specific accounts to its other apps from next year. The UK is preparing to enforce its Online Safety Act which threatens technology companies with billions in fines for failing to protect children online.
Concerns over online grooming have led to a closer look at social media companies. Ofcom, UK’s tech regulator found that 35% of secondary school children had been contacted in an uncomfortable way online.
It warned technology companies last year that “adults looking to groom kids” often use “scattergun friends requests”.
Warnings have been issued about the alarming increase in sextortion groups targeting children, mostly teenage boys. This trend is linked to several suicides in both the UK and US.
They often engage in sexually explicit communication before claiming that they have hacked the victim’s account or threatening embarrassing images.
Post Disclaimer
The following content has been published by Stockmark.IT. All information utilised in the creation of this communication has been gathered from publicly available sources that we consider reliable. Nevertheless, we cannot guarantee the accuracy or completeness of this communication.
This communication is intended solely for informational purposes and should not be construed as an offer, recommendation, solicitation, inducement, or invitation by or on behalf of the Company or any affiliates to engage in any investment activities. The opinions and views expressed by the authors are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the Company, its affiliates, or any other third party.
The services and products mentioned in this communication may not be suitable for all recipients, by continuing to read this website and its content you agree to the terms of this disclaimer.