International Desk, 18th September: Instagram announced a major initiative on Tuesday, unveiling specialised accounts designed specifically for teenage users, complete with enhanced privacy protections. This marks the first instance in Instagram’s history where age-specific accounts have been implemented.
The newly introduced “Teen Accounts” will automatically apply to users under the age of 18, impacting millions of current and new accounts. Key features include private accounts by default, restricted messaging to followers only, age-appropriate content filters, and a mandatory “sleep mode” from 10 pm to 7 am. Additionally, users under 16 will need parental permission to adjust these account settings.
In a bid to improve online safety for teens, Instagram has also introduced parental supervision tools and strengthened its age verification system. This system aims to prevent users from falsifying their age or creating multiple accounts with varying birthdates on the same device.
While this move addresses growing concerns over the well-being and safety of young social media users, its success will depend on user adherence and Instagram’s ability to enforce these new measures effectively.
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