Overview
- The Motion Picture Association sent a cease-and-desist on Oct. 28 demanding Instagram stop using the PG-13 mark for its Teen Accounts and take remedial steps.
- The letter calls Meta’s claims “literally false and highly misleading,” arguing AI-driven moderation cannot reflect CARA’s parent-run, film-by-film ratings process and warning of false‑advertising and trademark‑dilution violations.
- Addressed to Meta chief legal officer Jennifer Newstead and delivered by IP attorney Naresh Kilaru of Finnegan, the notice says the usage risks eroding public trust in the ratings system.
- Meta counters that it never claimed MPA certification, says its “guided by PG‑13” description is accurate and qualifies as nominative fair use, and indicates it hopes to work with the MPA.
- Instagram’s update limits default teen exposure to sexual content, violence, depictions of drugs or alcohol, risky stunts and strong language with tighter parental controls, and no lawsuit has been announced.