Instagram has rolled out its Teen Accounts feature in India, aiming to bolster online safety and provide enhanced content controls for its younger users. This initiative is part of Meta's broader strategy to create a safer and more responsible digital environment. The feature, initially launched in the U.S., U.K., Canada, and Australia last year, now extends to one of Instagram's largest markets, India, which boasts over 350 million users.
Teen Accounts are designed specifically for users under the age of 16, automatically applying default restrictions to their profiles. These restrictions aim to limit exposure to potentially harmful content while empowering parents with more control over their teens' online activities. Parents or guardians must grant permission for changes to certain settings on their child's account, ensuring a higher degree of oversight.
Parents can also impose daily usage limits and block access to the app during specified hours. For users over 16, parents have the option to enable supervision features, allowing them to monitor account activity discreetly. This suite of tools aims to strike a balance between teen independence and parental guidance in the digital space.
“At Meta, creating a safer and more responsible digital environment is a top priority. With the expansion of Instagram Teen Accounts to India, we are strengthening protections, enhancing content controls, and empowering parents while ensuring a safer experience for teens,” – Natasha Jog, Director of Public Policy India at Instagram.
The introduction of Teen Accounts reflects Instagram's commitment to shielding its users from online harm, focusing particularly on its younger audience. By expanding this feature to India, Instagram underscores its dedication to safeguarding teens and providing parents with the necessary tools to manage their children's social media presence effectively.
Meta's approach involves not only enhancing account controls but also fostering an environment where parents feel empowered to guide their children's digital experiences. This move is part of an ongoing effort by Instagram to address concerns over online safety and protect its users from potential risks.
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