Meta is changing many things for Facebook and Instagram's online protection, one that would help teenagers from online harassment from different predators lurking on its platform targetting them. The company aims to protect these teenagers online, especially as there are multiple cases on Meta's platforms regarding adults spamming or harassing young people.
The company announced the changes taking place on Meta's platforms, and these will take effect on Monday for all belonging to the age group.
Meta: Facebook and Instagram's Changes for Teenager Protection
(Photo : Facebook Blog Post)
The social media company, Meta, announced via its recent blog post that it is changing Facebook and Instagram's teenager protection policies and safeguards online. The latest changes would add more layers to the current safeguards available on the platform, already centering on protecting teenagers from the harms of social media.
Facebook and Instagram's changes would apply to newcomers and those accounts whose birthdate states that they are under the age of 16 or 18 for several regions.
The company further said that there are now tools in place to prevent the spread of intimate photos online, as well as education to provide to said teenagers to avoid any form of transaction.
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Meta's New Policy Aims to Prevent Online Harassment
According to Meta, the company would not put adult profiles on the People You May Know recommendations, also removing the adult's capabilities to message these teenagers, especially if they are not connected online.
In addition to this, Meta may remove the Message button on teens' Instagram profiles to prevent suspicious parties from messaging them, which also applies to teenagers messaging adult accounts.
Meta and Its Privacy Protection
Facebook initially faced the wrath of court rulings and proceedings for the initial case presented against it regarding online privacy and teenagers' mental health conditions when using its platforms. After its rebranding for Meta, the company spoke highly of this protection for the children, especially in assimilating with those that can freely message them online.
The highly-prolific case centered on a whistleblower regarding Facebook's hand in the nation's security, particularly with the company participating in spying for certain clients.
Initially, there were studies made by Facebook's research team regarding its effect on mental health, particularly with its media-sharing platform, Instagram. According to claims and reports, Facebook previously kept the gathered information from the public, keeping the fact that it causes harm to teenagers, particularly in their mental health state.
There were many changes made by Meta regarding these issues, especially with the many disputes surrounding their case. Now, another update will take place on teenagers' social media experience on both Facebook and Instagram, one which the company aims to roll out to protect them online and prevent different kinds of online harassment to take place.
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Written by Isaiah Richard
