Meta is set to introduce new safety measures aimed at preventing the exchange of explicit content among minors on its platforms, Facebook and Instagram. The upcoming features will allow users, particularly teenagers and women, to activate settings that block the receipt and sending of nude photos, even in encrypted messages. This initiative responds to widespread concerns and criticism from authorities regarding Meta’s decision to encrypt Messenger conversations by default.
Protection Against Unsolicited Images and Stranger Contact
The measures include a policy barring minors from receiving messages from unknown adults, building on existing restrictions that prevent adults from contacting teenagers who don’t follow them. Meta emphasizes its commitment to youth safety, noting the creation of over 30 tools and features to support teens and their parents. The company plans to unveil further details on the features, which are designed to shield teens from inappropriate images, later in the year.
Addressing the Surge in Online Sexual Offenses Among Youth
The UK police have linked the surge in sexual offenses among young people to the sharing of explicit images on social media. Additionally, a US lawsuit reveals allegations that approximately 100,000 teenage users experience sexual harassment on Meta’s platforms daily. These updates from Meta, particularly the inclusion of encrypted messaging safety, are a significant step towards fulfilling their duty to protect young users, a move likely to be welcomed by parents.
In 2022, Meta launched an Instagram parental supervision tool, enabling parents to manage their teens’ social media usage, including setting time limits and monitoring interactions. Recent enhancements now require parental consent for changes to safety and privacy settings, giving parents further control while respecting teen privacy.
