News

Instagram Roll Out Safety Measures For Young Users

Instagram has rolled out safety measures for young users.

Glamtush reports that social media giant Meta said on Tuesday it was rolling out a slew of measures to boost the safety of young users on its Instagram platform, the latest firm to address the issue.

Campaigners have long criticized tech giants for failing to protect teenagers from harmful content, and the popularity of Instagram with young people has placed it firmly in the firing line.

Meta, which also owns Facebook and WhatsApp, said parents and guardians would be able to set time limits on children’s scrolling on Instagram.

And young users would now see nudges encouraging them to look at other subjects if they are spending too much time looking at content about a single topic.

“It is crucial for us to develop tools that respect the privacy and autonomy of young people while involving parents in the experience,” said Clotilde Briend of Meta during a media briefing.

Instagram was rocked last year by revelations from whistleblower Frances Haugen that suggested executives were aware the platform could harm the mental health of young users, particularly teenage girls.

Meta has consistently denied the claims but has since faced a series of grillings in US Congress and suggestions that regulation could be on the way.

Other apps, including video-sharing platform TikTok, have also been criticised over fears young people were finding it hard to tear themselves away from the content.

Last week, TikTok announced young people would get nudges to remind them to take a break from scrolling — similar to an Instagram feature that has already been rolled out.

On Tuesday, Meta also announced new measures for its virtual reality headsets.

Parents and guardians will be able to block apps, view what their child is looking at on another device and see how long their child is spending with their headset on.

GLAMTUSH

Recent Posts

SDNON Mourns Former President Muhammadu Buhari, Awujale Of Ijebuland

SDNON mourns the death of former president Muhammadu Buhari and Awujale of Ijebuland.    …

3 hours ago

Buhari Buried In Hometown Daura

Buhari has been buried in his hometown Daura.     Glamtush reports that the remains…

7 hours ago

Buhari’s Body Arrives In Katsina

Buhari’s body has arrived in Katsina. Glamtush reports that former president Muhammadu Buhari’s body has…

11 hours ago

Buhari’s Burial Holiday: Five Major Events Postponed

Several major events scheduled for today, Tuesday, July 15, across Nigeria have been postponed following…

12 hours ago

Aare Adetola Emmanuelking Mourns Passing Of The Awujale Of Ijebuland

Aare Adetola Emmanuelking has mourned the passing of the Awujale of Ijebuland.      …

12 hours ago

Beyoncé’s Unreleased Songs, Tour Plans Stolen In Atlanta

Beyoncé's unreleased songs and tour plans have been stolen in Atlanta.   Glamush reports that…

13 hours ago