Meta takes action to shield teenagers from inappropriate messages on Facebook and Instagram

The social media network announced that Meta Platforms is adding extra security measures to shield underage users from unsolicited direct messages on Facebook and Instagram.

The decision was made weeks after the owner of WhatsApp declared that it would block more information from teenagers after authorities pressured the largest social media platform in the world to shield kids from inappropriate content on its applications.

After a former Meta employee testified before the U.S. Senate, alleging the firm knew about the harassment and other harms kids were experiencing on its platforms but did little to stop them, regulatory attention grew.

According to Meta, teenagers will no longer automatically get direct messages on Instagram from users they do not follow or are not linked to. Additionally, they will need parental consent to alter specific app settings.

Users under the age of 16 and the age of 18 in some countries can only receive messages on Messenger from Facebook friends or those with whom they have phone connections.

Meta clarified that messages to minors who do not follow them cannot be sent by adults above the age of 19.

(Sources: investing.com, reuters.com)