Khaberni - Instagram intends to impose restrictions on content available to users under 18 years old on the platform by using filters inspired by the film rating system for content meant for ages 13 and older, in the latest move by Meta, the owner of Instagram, to address criticisms that it does not take adequate measures to protect young users.
Meta said on Tuesday that the new system will limit the display of posts containing swear words or scenes involving danger or references to drugs or other content inappropriate for young users, and it will also apply to the company's generative artificial intelligence tools.
The move follows criticisms from rights groups and lawsuits accusing Meta of failing in protecting youths from harmful content or misleading them about the psychological effects of its platforms.
A report issued in September revealed that many of the safety features Meta claims to have applied to Instagram over the years either do not work effectively or are nonexistent. Reports in August disclosed that the company allowed provocative behavior from chatbots, including enabling bots to engage in "emotional or sensory" conversations with users.
Meta clarified on Tuesday that the new update would automatically place young users' accounts within the content rating system set for ages 13 and older, which allows parents to adjust these settings to increase the level of control and determine the usage duration through "Restricted Content Settings," and it will also prevent young users from interacting with accounts that post content inappropriate for their age.
The company added in a statement, "We hope this update reassures parents. We recognize that some teenagers might try to bypass these restrictions and therefore, we will use age estimation technology to ensure protection is applied even if the user claims to be an adult."
Meta introduced protection measures on its artificial intelligence-based products in August, aimed at protecting minors from conversations related to self-harm, suicide, or grooming. This followed a comprehensive overhaul conducted last year to enhance privacy and parental control on Instagram accounts for those under 18.
The new update will gradually begin in the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada, with plans to expand globally by the end of the year. Meta is working on similar improvements on the Facebook platform.
The artificial intelligence sector faces increased scrutiny from U.S. regulators due to concerns about the negative impacts of chatbot conversations.
