Meta is preparing to implement new safety rules that restrict the use of Facebook and Instagram by teenagers. However, the new measures announced by the company will currently only apply to users in the US.
Modern.az reports that the new rules are part of an agreement Meta reached in lawsuits filed by dozens of US states regarding children's privacy and social media addiction. Under the agreement, the company could pay up to $18 billion in total to the states.
The new system will bring a number of restrictions on the time users aged 13-17 spend on Facebook and Instagram. One of the main changes is setting a standard daily usage limit of 2 hours for teenagers. In addition, access to applications will be automatically restricted during night hours. Parents will be able to further tighten these limits. Teenagers will also be reminded that they have the option to switch to a feed not formed based on algorithmic recommendations. Parents or guardians will be able to set this option as the default choice for the teenager's account.
According to a Meta spokesperson, the company will monitor the results of the changes to be implemented in the US and will continue discussions with governments of other countries on this issue. However, there is currently no concrete decision regarding the application of the rules outside the US. The UK government, on the other hand, expects Meta to implement the same safety measures for teenagers in the country. UK Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Pat McFadden stated that they do not want a situation where American teenagers are protected at a higher level than British teenagers. Meta also stated that if TikTok and YouTube take similar steps, it could further tighten the time restrictions planned for Facebook and Instagram. Under the current agreement, some restrictions are expected to remain in force for at least five years.
