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What are the new privacy settings for Instagram accounts under 18?
Meta's new privacy settings for Instagram accounts of users under 18 include making accounts private by default. This means that only approved followers can see a teen's posts and stories. Additionally, the platform will restrict messaging options to enhance safety.
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How will these changes affect teens' online safety?
These changes are designed to reduce teens' exposure to harmful content and interactions. By defaulting to private accounts and limiting messaging, Meta aims to create a safer online environment for younger users, although challenges remain regarding age verification.
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What parental controls are being introduced?
Meta is introducing new parental controls that allow parents to monitor their teens' Instagram activity more closely. This includes features that enable parents to see who their children are interacting with and to set restrictions on messaging and content visibility.
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When will these new rules take effect?
The new privacy settings and parental controls are set to roll out within 60 days in the US, UK, Canada, and Australia. This timeline aims to ensure that the changes are implemented swiftly to enhance the safety of teen users.
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What are the criticisms of these new rules?
While many view these changes as a positive step, critics argue that they may not fully address the issues at hand. Concerns have been raised about the ability of teens to bypass age restrictions by lying about their age, which could undermine the effectiveness of these new measures.
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How do these changes relate to ongoing concerns about youth mental health?
Meta's new rules come amid increasing scrutiny over the impact of social media on youth mental health. Investigations have shown that platforms like Instagram can exacerbate issues such as body image concerns, prompting calls for stricter regulations to protect young users.