Meta plans to introduce new restrictions on Facebook and Instagram for users under the age of 18 in the US as part of a settlement with 47 states, the District of Columbia and US territories, reports The New York Times. The company has been accused of contributing to social media addiction. The planned changes include time limits, a night mode, restrictions on notifications and enhanced protection against unwanted content and contacts.
Briefly about the main points
- The new rules will apply to Meta users under the age of 18 in the US.
- The daily limit for Facebook and Instagram will be two hours.
- Parents will be able to allow their teenagers extra time on apps.
- Teenagers will have the option not to use the algorithmic feed.
- Meta plans to begin rolling out the changes within six months.
The agreement still needs to be approved by the court
The agreement settles the claims of the states which had argued that Meta contributed to addictive use of social media among young users. This is the plaintiffs’ claim, not a court ruling: the settlement still requires court approval.
Most of the obligations under the agreement are to remain in force for ten years. The basic restrictions on daytime use and the night-time regime are set for five years. An independent auditor will verify compliance with the terms each year throughout this period and report to the states.
Daily limit, night mode and an exception for messaging
Teenagers will be subject to a combined limit of two hours a day for Facebook and Instagram; Meta has stated that it will take the use of multiple accounts into account. During this time, parents will be able to grant access.
The night-time block is scheduled to be active from 00:00 to 06:00. Push notifications during school hours will be muted by default from 08:00 to 15:00, with the exception of direct messages and account security alerts. Private messages will not be subject to the daytime, night-time or school restriction modes.
Changes to the ribbon and additional security tools
Users under the age of 18 will be able to opt out of the algorithmic feed and automatic content playback. After 15, 60 and 90 minutes of continuous use, the apps will display reminders. By default, like and reaction counters will also be hidden for teenagers.
Meta has promised to strengthen protection against unwanted contact, harmful content and dangerous beauty filters. The company is set to tighten age verification and delete accounts belonging to children under the age of 13. It plans to begin implementing the new rules within six months.
