Meta Platforms announced new safety measures for teens on Tuesday, restricting Instagram users under 16 from livestreaming or unblurring nudity in direct messages without parental consent.
These changes aim to enhance protections for young users across its platforms. Safeguards for users under 18 will also expand to Facebook and Messenger.
Meta introduced its teen account program on Instagram in September to give parents greater control over their children’s online activities, addressing growing concerns about the impact of social media on young people. The latest updates will initially roll out in the United States, Britain, Canada, and Australia, followed by other regions globally.
Under these changes, Instagram Live will be unavailable to users under 16 unless parents provide approval. Teens will also need consent to disable the blur feature for images with suspected nudity in direct messages.
On Facebook and Messenger, teen accounts will now feature protections similar to Instagram, including private account settings by default, blocking messages from strangers, limits on sensitive content, reminders to log off after 60 minutes, and silenced notifications during bedtime.
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Meta revealed that since September, over 54 million teen accounts have been created under this program, which prioritizes safety and responsible social media use. These updates underscore Meta’s commitment to safeguarding its younger audience.
