It was recently confirmed by the chief executive of Instagram, Adam Mosseri, that the company is developing a social network application aimed at children under 13. The information initially came through the website BuzzFeedNews, where Adam says that many children want to use Instagram, but currently the platform's policies prevent them.
Adam Mossieri told BuzzFeedNews:
"Part of the solution is creating a version of Instagram for young people or children where parents have transparency or control. That's one of the things we're exploring."
Kids are increasingly asking their parents if they can join apps that help them keep up with their friends. A version of Instagram where parents have control, like we did w / Messenger Kids, is something we're exploring. We'll share more down the road.
- Adam Mosseri ???? (@mosseri) March 18, 2021Facebook spokesman Joe Osborne said in an email sent to TheVerge website saying:
"More and more kids are asking parents if they can join apps that help them stay in touch with friends. There aren't many options for parents right now, so we're working on building additional products - as we did with Messenger Kids - kid-friendly, parent-managed. We're exploring bringing a parent-controlled experience to Instagram to help kids keep up with their friends, discover new hobbies and interests, and more."
An internal message from the company was obtained by BuzzFeedNews where Instagram's vice president of product, Vishal Shah, says that a "pillar of youth" project has been ranked as a priority by the company. According to the information, his team will focus on privacy and security issues "to ensure the safest experience possible for teens."
What it involves targeting products for children under 13
The development of online products for children under the age of 13 is not only due to privacy issues, but also legal issues. In late 2019, the Federal Trade Commission fined Google $170 million for tracking children's history to serve ads on YouTube, as it violated the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act. Additionally, Musical.ly was also fined $5,7 million for violating the same law.
What did you think of the Instagram initiative? Comment below and share your opinion with us!
