Meta, the parent company of Instagram and Facebook, has announced the rollout of new parental control tools for its platforms. These tools aim to enhance the safety and privacy of young users and encourage healthy digital habits. The updates include a parental supervision hub in Messenger, proactive blocking of unwanted direct messages (DMs) on Messenger and Instagram, and reminders for teens to take breaks from using the apps.
Messenger Supervision Controls: Keep Track of Teens’ Privacy and Safety Settings
The Messenger supervision controls will initially be available in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada through Meta’s Family Center. Parents or guardians will have access to their teen’s privacy and safety settings, be notified of any changes in their Messenger contact list, and monitor the amount of time spent in the app. They will also receive notifications if their teen reports someone; however, explicit permission from the teen is required for this feature.
Parents will be able to manage settings such as who can message their teens (friends only, friends of friends, or no one) and who can view their stories. Any changes made to these settings will trigger notifications for the guardians.
Instagram has been taking steps to limit interactions between teens and unknown adults, and the latest update involves users sending text-only invitations to seek permission before interacting with someone they are not connected to. This feature is designed to enhance safety and prevent unwanted contact.
To promote healthy digital habits, both Instagram and Facebook will introduce controls to reduce excessive usage. Instagram’s existing “Quiet mode,” which allows users to pause notifications and set auto-replies while taking a break, will now be available globally. Facebook will notify users after 20 minutes of continuous usage to encourage them to take a break, and it will also remind teens to close the app while watching Reels at night.
Meta is also introducing a new notice on Instagram, urging teens to allow their guardians to supervise their accounts for added protection. Parents will have the ability to view mutual followers and accounts followed by their teens.
Earlier this year, Meta implemented controls over ad targeting for teenagers and introduced tools to prevent the sharing of intimate images by minors. However, the company has faced scrutiny for privacy violations related to children’s data and was previously fined over $400 million for breaching GDPR rules.
RELATED:
- OpenAI CEO: “If Musk and Zuckerberg really have a duel, I will go watch”
- Meta’s AI Vision is Crumbling, One-Third of AI Researchers left Last Year
- WhatsApp beta unveils VR integration with Meta Quest headsets
- Best Sony Earbuds 2023 – XM4, C500, LinkBuds & more
(Source)
