Instagram Enhances Teen Privacy Following TikTok's Lead

This year, TikTok implemented updates to its privacy configurations, defaulting to more restrictive settings for younger users. Now, Instagram is responding with its own privacy enhancements specifically targeted at teenagers.

However, unlike TikTok’s approach of increasing privacy by default, Instagram is primarily focusing on limiting adult interaction with teen users.

Restricting Adult Contact

The company is introducing new safety features designed to prevent adult users from contacting teenagers who haven't already chosen to follow them. Exceptions will be made to allow communication with verified family members and trusted adults.

Adults attempting to direct message teens they don’t follow will receive a notification explaining that this action is not permitted.

Monitoring and Reporting Suspicious Activity

If a teen is already communicating with an adult, they will be alerted to any potentially concerning behavior exhibited by that adult.

This includes a high volume of friend requests or messages sent to users under the age of 18. The teen will then have the option to end the conversation, block the user, report them, or restrict further contact.

Limiting Discoverability

Instagram is also making it harder for adults to locate and follow teen accounts within the app’s various sections. This includes Explore and Reels.

Teen accounts will be removed from the “Suggested Users” list for adult users, and their comments on public posts will be hidden.

Age Verification Technology

The platform is developing artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies to identify users who have misrepresented their age.

These features will be applied even if a teen provided a false birthdate during account creation, though the technology is still under development.

New Resources for Parents and Teens

Additional updates include expanded safety resources for parents within the app’s Parents’ Guide. Educational materials are also being provided to teens.

These materials will clarify the implications of having a public account and encourage the selection of more private settings.

Context of the Updates

This launch is occurring as TikTok has been actively strengthening its platform’s safety measures for teens. This includes changes to default settings and the introduction of parental controls last year.

TikTok integrated parental control features directly into its app, allowing parents to link accounts and manage privacy settings, content access, and feed preferences.

By prioritizing privacy and parental controls, TikTok aims to gain favor with parents, potentially leading to increased user growth and engagement, sometimes at the expense of competitors like Instagram.

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