Meta Strengthens Safety Measures for Teen Users on Instagram and Facebook

In a concerted effort to address ongoing concerns regarding the safety of teenagers on its platforms, Meta Platforms Inc. is rolling out enhanced default direct message settings for teens on both Instagram and Facebook. This move responds to the growing apprehensions expressed by lawmakers and parents regarding the potential exposure of young users to harmful content on social media.

Stricter Default Settings for Teen Safety

In a recent blog post, Meta outlined its commitment to teen safety, announcing the disabling of the option for teens to receive direct messages from individuals they do not follow or aren't already connected to on Instagram. This significant change extends to interactions with both adults and other teens.

Users under the age of 16, or under 18 in specific countries, will now have a default setting allowing messages or group chat additions only from individuals they are already connected to. Supervised accounts, in particular, will necessitate parental approval for any modifications, and these safeguards also extend to Messenger.

Supervision Tools Deployment Following Whistleblower Revelations

The implementation of these supervision tools on Instagram traces back to March 2022, prompted by revelations from a whistleblower. Internal documents suggested that Meta, formerly Facebook, prioritized profits over user well-being, leading to congressional scrutiny and a broader discourse on online protection for minors. In October 2023, over 30 U.S. states filed a lawsuit against Meta, alleging harmful youth marketing practices.

Future Feature to Safeguard Teens from Inappropriate Content

As part of Meta's ongoing commitment to teen safety, the company has unveiled plans to introduce a feature designed to shield teens from unwanted and potentially inappropriate images within messages from contacts they are already connected to. Detailed information about this upcoming feature is anticipated to be disclosed later in the year.

A Glimpse into the Future - Protecting DMs from Inappropriate Content

While the new messaging settings represent a significant step forward, Meta's efforts extend beyond blocking unwanted contacts. The company announced plans to introduce a feature later this year designed to shield teens from unwanted and potentially inappropriate images in their messages from trusted contacts. This proactive approach aims to further safeguard teens from exposure to harmful content within their existing social circles.