Instagram and Messenger now limit who can message teens, giving parents more control over their kids’ accounts.
In a major move to safeguard young users, Meta is implementing stricter communication rules on Instagram and Messenger. By default, teenagers under 16 (or 18 in certain regions) will be shielded from unwanted contact by automatically restricting messages and group chat invitations from people they don’t follow or know.
Stepping up its efforts to protect minors, Meta is implementing new restrictions on Instagram DMs. Building on previous measures, these updates apply to all users, not just adults, further closing down potential avenues for predators.
How does this impact parents?
Instagram empowers parents with greater control over their child’s online safety. Parents will no longer just be notified of changes to privacy settings; they’ll have the final say, granting or denying permission for adjustments like switching from private to public profiles.
More to come?
Taking a two-pronged approach to online safety, Meta is developing a new feature that not only filters out unwanted images in messages but also discourages their sending, even in encrypted chats. Stay tuned for more details later this year.
