Meta, the parent company of Instagram, has unveiled new safety tools aimed at shielding teenagers from online exploitation and inappropriate interactions. These updates are part of a broader initiative to create safer spaces for younger users on social platforms, especially as concerns over their mental health and safety continue to grow.
One of the most significant actions Meta has taken is the removal of over 635,000 accounts that were involved in the sexualization of minors. According to Meta, 135,000 of these accounts had posted explicit or inappropriate comments, while another 500,000 were flagged for suspicious or inappropriate interactions with underage users—particularly those who appeared to be under 13. These accounts often came from adults misusing the platform to target young users.
New In-App Features and Safety Alerts for Teens
To further strengthen its safety protocols, Meta has introduced tools that allow teens to receive alerts if they’re contacted by potentially suspicious accounts. These “safety notices” provide a quick option to block or report the sender. Meta reports that following these alerts, teen users collectively blocked over one million accounts and reported another million, suggesting that the new system is making a meaningful difference.
The company also highlighted how it’s using artificial intelligence to help identify users who might be lying about their age when signing up for Instagram. Since Instagram is officially only open to users aged 13 and above, this technology helps to detect and flag suspicious age-related activity. If a user is found to be underage, or if their age can’t be verified, the system automatically categorizes them into a restricted teen account.
Teen accounts on Instagram are designed with more privacy and limited interaction options. These accounts are private by default, and direct messages are restricted so that only users the teen already follows can send messages. Meta has committed to maintaining these safety measures and continuously updating them in response to user feedback and evolving threats.
Legal Pressure and Public Scrutiny Intensify
The timing of these updates is notable, as Meta is facing mounting legal challenges and public criticism for how its platforms affect young users. Dozens of U.S. states have filed lawsuits against the company, alleging that Instagram and Facebook have been deliberately engineered to be addictive, especially for children and teens. The lawsuits claim that Meta’s product design choices contribute to rising levels of anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns among youth.
In response, Meta has defended its efforts to create a safer online experience for teens, pointing to its continued investments in technology, moderation, and educational resources. Still, critics argue that more transparency and external regulation may be needed to fully hold platforms accountable.
As the debate continues, Meta says it remains committed to enhancing safety on Instagram and Facebook and to protecting the youngest members of its user base from online predators, harmful content, and manipulative behaviors. These latest updates are a part of that ongoing effort to strike a balance between platform growth and user well-being.
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