In a move that is sure to cause controversy, Instagram is developing a version of the popular photo sharing app for users under the age of 13.
BuzzFeed News reported first the project Thursday, and it was later confirmed by an Instagram manager.
Currently, Instagram’s policy does not allow users under the age of 13. Instagram is owned by Facebook Inc.
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The child is also at least 13 years old. Despite the restrictions, a number of children under the age of 13 have surreptitious accounts at both locations.
BuzzFeed, quoting posts from an internal message board at Instagram, reported that the new app was developed by Instagram head Adam Mosseri and Pavni Diwanji, a Facebook manager who previously oversaw children’s products, including YouTube Kids, at Alphabet’s
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Google.
In a tweet ThursdayMosseri, released after the BuzzFeed report was released, said, “Children are increasingly asking their parents if they can join apps that help them keep up with their friends. We are investigating a version of Instagram where parents are in control like we did with Messenger Kids. We’ll share more later. “
Messenger Kids is a Facebook app that parents can use to control who their children can communicate with. However, An error was found in 2019 This enabled children to communicate not only with their friends, but also with friends of friends – including adults – who had not checked their own parents.
In a message board post, Instagram said its children’s version would highlight privacy and security, according to the BuzzFeed report.
Regardless, Instagram announced new features and resources on Wednesday for its teenage users and their parents to keep users safe from abuse, bullying, and predators.
“Protecting young people on Instagram is important to us.” The company said in a blog post. “We want parents to have the information they need to help their teenagers have a safe and positive experience on Instagram.”
Upon launch, the app could face legal issues related to child privacy and targeted advertising and are likely to cause serious sparks Criticism from youth lawyers on topics such as harassment, sexting, and mental health. A number of Studies have found that social media can have harmful effects on children.
A Twitter user replied to Mosseri’s tweet: “We don’t just give things to children because they want them. We don’t give children dangerous tools to play with unless adults figure out how to make these tools safe. “
