Instagram, under pressure, tightens protection for teens [Video]

Meta on Tuesday announced the creation of “Teen Accounts,” designed to better protect underage users from the dangers associated with Instagram.

The hugely popular photo-sharing app is accused by many experts and authorities of damaging the mental health of its youngest users.

“‘Teen Accounts’ is a significant update, designed to give parents peace of mind,” Antigone Davis, Meta vice-president in charge of safety issues, told AFP.

Under the new policy, users age 13 to 15 will have private accounts by default, with tighter safeguards on who can contact them and what content they can see.

Teens who want a public profile and fewer restrictions — because they want to become influencers, for example — will need to obtain permission from their parents. The new rules apply for both existing and new users to the platform.

“This is a big change. It means making sure that we do this really well,” …