Meta announces new features to protect minors on Instagram and Facebook | Tech Reddy

Meta is rolling out new features on Instagram and Facebook to protect minors from online predators. Meta also said it is working on new tools to prevent the re-sharing of images of minors and reduce contact with suspicious accounts.

Facebook and Instagram require users to be 13 years old to create an account. However, in some countries, the minimum age is higher. For such users, Meta provides settings to protect them from unwanted contact by adults and ensure that their interactions are appropriate for their age.

The new features Meta announced on Monday are part of that year-round experience.

For example, users under the age of 16 (18 in some countries) may access additional privacy settings by default when they log in to Facebook. This feature is available to users on Instagram.

For users who already have an account, Facebook will introduce a new feature called suggested settings that are appropriate for their profile.

For example, under “Who is allowed to comment on your public posts” the default option for most users is Public. If a minor can click the settings button, the option will change from public to friends.

In addition, Meta said it is testing new tools to prevent minors from sending messages to suspicious accounts linked to an unrelated adult. Nor are the stories about adults known among “people you know the thoughts of.” According to Meta, accounts that have been blocked or flagged by a minor are considered suspicious.

Meta is also developing new tools in collaboration with partners to protect minors who have shared their intimate photos online and are at risk of abuse or harassment. The social media company said it is working with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) to create a global platform that will prevent the non-consensual sharing of images of minors. This is similar to another platform designed to prevent the sharing of adult users’ photos by other users and companies.

Meta said it is also working with organizations like Thorn to create educational programs to help young people overcome shame and stigma about intimate photos and encourage them to seek help.