Meta expands teen safeguards globally, tests new Instagram feed tools

Meta is working to introduce new features for teen accounts on social platforms such as Instagram, Facebook and Messenger globally. The prime motive behind this initiative is to ensure child-friendly content amid growing scrutiny over child safety online.

The remarkable campaign was earlier launched in selected countries seeking to protect children from viewing prohibited material. However, Meta also announced a distinctive feature to diversify the content for teens and prevent repetitive exposures to certain themes.

The company had previously warned investors of legal and financial repercussions in the European Union and the US in the wake of rising social media issues that could have a major impact on businesses and financial activities.

Meanwhile a Los Angeles jury on March 25 found Meta and Alphabet deserving of blame for designing social media platforms harmful for young people. In line with these findings, Meta platforms feature default 13+ content settings for teen accounts to censor inappropriate material.

In this connection, Meta said: "We recognize that some content — like posts about nutrition, ⁠weightlifting, ​or how to cope with anxiety — ​can be helpful, but it should be balanced with other types of content ​rather than shown repeatedly.”

Meta is actively working to introduce a: Limited Content” settings later this year to provide a more restricted experience on Facebook and Messenger.

Furthermore, Instagram is testing a feature designed to prevent teenagers from seeing excessive amounts of certain content types and helping them maintain a balanced and safe feed.