Meta Expands Teen Account Protections Across Facebook, Messenger

Meta Platforms is expanding its 'Teen Accounts' feature to Facebook and Messenger, enhancing privacy and parental controls for users under 18. These updates, which will require parental permission for certain features such as livestreaming and changing privacy settings, come amid growing criticism and potential legislation aimed at protecting young users from online harms. Since the initial launch of Teen Accounts on Instagram, around 54 million accounts have been transitioned to stricter safety settings, including private accounts and limited messaging capabilities. The changes align with ongoing regulatory efforts, such as the UK's Online Safety Act, which mandates greater protections for children on social media. Meta aims to address concerns from parents and lawmakers regarding the impact of social media on youth, particularly in light of numerous lawsuits related to the addictive nature of its platforms. The company emphasizes that it is committed to continuing its efforts to safeguard teens online.