Meta Introduces Stricter Instagram Controls for Teens

New measures include private accounts, messaging restrictions, and content limits to address safety concerns.

Meta's new policies automatically make Instagram accounts for users under 18 private and restrict sensitive content.
Teens can only receive messages from followers, and accounts of users 16 and under require parental permission to change settings.
The changes come amid heightened scrutiny and criticism of social media's impact on youth mental health and safety.
Meta's measures align with the proposed Kids Online Safety Act, which aims to protect minors from online harms.
The rollout began on September 17 in the US and will expand to other regions, with existing teen accounts being updated within 60 days.