Meta Platforms is expanding its “Teen Accounts” feature to Facebook and Messenger, roughly eight months after private accounts for underage users were rolled out for Instagram.
Meta announced the expansion of Teen Accounts to its other social media platforms on Tuesday, claiming that private accounts have been received well on Instagram.
In addition to rolling out the feature across Facebook and Messenger, Meta says it is tightening restrictions for Teen Accounts on Instagram. They will prevent users aged under 16 from going live or turning off default protections from unsolicited images in direct messages without parental permission and blurring media containing nudity.
As far as the protections for private accounts on Facebook and Messenger are concerned, the company says they will be similar to those on Instagram. “Teen Accounts on Facebook and Messenger will offer similar, automatic protections to limit inappropriate content and unwanted contact, as well as ways to ensure teens’ time is well spent.”
For now, Teen Accounts on Facebook and Messenger will be rolled out in the United States (US), United Kingdom (UK), and Australia. Meta says it will introduce the feature in other regions, too.
Teen Accounts were first rolled out for Instagram in September last year amid mounting backlash and pressure from lawmakers on the lack of adequate child protection measures. In the US, Meta has been facing increased allegations of fuelling a mental health crisis among the youth, with several lawsuits already filed against the tech giant.
In 2023, Meta was taken to court by 33 states, including New York and California, for allegedly exploiting and manipulating children and teenagers. Meta attempted to get the lawsuit dismissed, but its request was struck down by the court.
