Meta Platforms Responds to Regulatory Pressure
On Tuesday, Meta Platforms announced a series of measures aimed at strengthening content restrictions for teenagers on its Instagram and Facebook platforms. This move comes in response to growing global regulatory pressure urging the social media giant to safeguard children from harmful content. In a recent blog post, Meta revealed that all teenagers will now be automatically placed in the most restrictive content control settings, with additional limitations on search terms on Instagram.
The primary objective of these adjustments is to minimize teenagers’ exposure to sensitive content, such as self-harm, suicide, and eating disorders. The changes are particularly focused on features like Search and Explore on Instagram. Meta plans to roll out these measures over the coming weeks, aiming to provide a more “age-appropriate” experience for teenage users.
Regulatory Scrutiny in the U.S. and Europe
Meta is currently facing intensified scrutiny in both the United States and Europe, with allegations that its applications contribute to addictive behaviors and a youth mental health crisis. In October, attorneys general from 33 U.S. states, including California and New York, filed a lawsuit against the company, accusing it of misleading the public about the risks associated with its platforms.
In Europe, the European Commission has requested information from Meta regarding the company’s efforts to protect children from illegal and harmful content. This regulatory focus gained momentum following the testimony of a former Meta employee before the U.S. Senate. The employee, Arturo Bejar, claimed that the company was aware of harassment and other issues affecting teenagers on its platforms but failed to take adequate action.
Arturo Bejar expressed dissatisfaction with Meta’s recent changes, stating that the company relied on “‘grade your own homework’ definitions of harm” and lacked an effective mechanism for teenagers to report unwanted advances.
Meta has been locked in a fierce competition with TikTok for young users, as the usage of Facebook steadily declines among teenagers. According to a 2023 Pew Research Center survey, 63% of U.S. teens reported using TikTok, while 59% used Instagram, and only 33% used Facebook.
Traditionally, brands advertising on Facebook and Instagram have targeted children as a lucrative demographic, aiming to attract them as consumers during their impressionable years and build lasting brand loyalty. The recent changes by Meta underscore the company’s efforts to address regulatory concerns and adapt to evolving user trends.
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