44 attorneys general urge Facebook to drop Instagram for kids idea
Facebook in March confirmed a report by Buzzfeed News that it was “exploring a parent-controlled experience” on Instagram for children under 13. Author: Douglas Jones Updated: 12:40 PM CDT May 10, 2021
WASHINGTON A bipartisan group of 44 attorneys general released a letter Monday imploring Facebook Chief Executive Officer Mark Zuckerberg to ditch any plans to create a version of Instagram for kids.
The project, which has been reportedly referred to internally as Instagram Youth, has not yet been given a clear timeline for completion. Children under 13 are technically not allowed to use the Instagram app in its current form due to federal privacy regulations. But Facebook in March confirmed a report by Buzzfeed News, saying it is “exploring a parent-controlled experience” on Instagram.
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Please wait. Instagram exploits youngsters fear of missing out as they constantly check their devices seeking approval and uploading pictures, CCFC said, adding that the platform s continuous focus on appearance and self presentation would be a challenge to adolescents privacy and wellbeing. While collecting valuable family data and cultivating a new generation of Instagram users may be good for Facebook s bottom line, it will likely increase the use of Instagram by young children who are particularly vulnerable to the platform s manipulative and exploitative features, the letter said. CCFC is a nonprofit organization that believes that child-targeted marketing, along with the excessive screen time it encourages, will damage kids healthy development, and is dedicated to ending marketing to children.