tech
Facebook and Instagram agree huge new changes
Facebook and Instagram are set for a major shake-up after owner Meta agreed to introduce a string of new restrictions aimed at protecting children and teenagers using its platforms.
TL;DR
- Meta agreed to introduce new restrictions on Facebook and Instagram to protect children and teenagers.
- The agreement is part of a proposed settlement with US states over claims Meta's platforms harmed children.
- Users under 18 will face a default daily time limit of two hours on Facebook and Instagram.
- Platforms will be blocked for young users during certain overnight hours and notifications stopped during school hours.
- Plastic surgery filters will be banned for children, and technology to identify teenage accounts will be strengthened.
- New parental controls will also be introduced.
- The two-hour daily limit is expected to last five years, contingent on other social media companies adopting similar measures.
- Experts have expressed concerns about the difficulty in enforcing these restrictions due to imperfect age verification.