Instagram makes 'teen accounts' more restrictive

Instagram is tightening the settings on its "teen accounts" to add new limits on what kids can see on the platform. Older teens will no longer be able to opt out of the default stricter settings without parental approval. The company is also using AI tools to detect teens that are lying about their age. The changes aim to make the content teens encounter on Instagram more like a PG-13 movie, with a focus on preventing teens from seeing sexually suggestive content or images of "near nudity." Instagram will also block a wider range of mature search terms and prevent teens from seeing content that "regularly share age-inappropriate content." Additionally, Instagram is adding a new "limited content" setting that filters even more content from teens' view and prevents them from accessing any comments on the platform. The company is also testing a new reporting feature for parents to flag specific posts they deem inappropriate. These measures are part of Meta's efforts to address long-running criticism about its handling of teen safety on its apps, though some critics argue the changes do not go far enough to protect the company's most vulnerable users.