What's happened
Instagram is launching new 'teen accounts' for users under 18, defaulting to private settings and limiting interactions. This move comes amid increasing regulatory pressure and aims to enhance safety for young users. Parents will gain more control over their children's accounts, including time limits and messaging oversight.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to the New York Times, Instagram's new 'Teen Accounts' will default to private settings, allowing only approved followers to see posts. This is part of a broader strategy to enhance safety for minors. In contrast, Fairplay for Kids criticized Meta's announcement as insufficient, arguing that these measures should have been implemented earlier. The Guardian highlighted that these changes come amid proposed legislation in Australia aimed at restricting children's access to social media, indicating a global trend towards increased regulation. Meanwhile, Axios noted that over 100 million accounts worldwide will be affected, emphasizing the scale of this initiative.
How we got here
The changes follow growing concerns from lawmakers and parents about the impact of social media on youth mental health and safety. The Kids Online Safety Act is gaining traction in Congress, prompting Instagram's proactive measures to address these issues.
Common question
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What Are the New Instagram Features for Teen Accounts?
Instagram has recently introduced significant changes to enhance the safety of teen users on its platform. With growing concerns about the impact of social media on young people, these new features aim to provide a safer online environment. But what exactly are these changes, and how do they affect teens and their parents? Here are some common questions and answers regarding Instagram's new teen account settings.
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Australia, officially known as the Commonwealth of Australia, is a sovereign country comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands.
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