Instagram Announces New Parental Controls & Safety Features

Instagram Announces New Safety Features Ahead of Senate Testimony

Adam Mosseri, the head of Instagram, is scheduled to appear before the Senate on Wednesday. This will be his first testimony regarding the app's impact on the mental well-being of teenagers. The upcoming hearing follows recent disclosures made by Frances Haugen, a former Facebook whistleblower, which have led to accusations that the company prioritizes profits over the safety of its users.

New Parental Controls and Features

Just prior to the Senate hearing, Instagram revealed a suite of new safety enhancements. These include the platform’s inaugural set of parental controls, as detailed in a company blog post penned by Mosseri.

While some of these changes represent expansions of existing safety measures, others are entirely new additions.

The most significant announcement centers around the planned launch of Instagram’s first parental control features in March. These tools will empower parents and guardians to monitor the amount of time their teens spend on the app. They will also be able to establish screen time limitations.

Furthermore, teens will have the option to notify their parents when they report another user. It’s important to note that these controls are opt-in; teens can choose not to share alerts, and there is no obligation for either teens or parents to utilize them.

Comparison to TikTok and Existing Controls

The parental controls offered by Instagram, as currently described, are less comprehensive than those available on TikTok. TikTok allows parents to lock accounts into a restricted mode, block search access, and manage a child’s visibility and interaction settings.

Screen time limits are already provided by mobile operating systems like Apple’s iOS and Google’s Android. Instagram acknowledges this and states it will “add more options over time.”

“Take a Break” Feature and Expanded Protections

Instagram recently concluded testing of its “Take a Break” feature, which prompts users to pause their app usage after 10, 20, or 30 minutes, based on their preference. This feature is now officially available in the U.S., U.K., Ireland, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

Unlike TikTok, which proactively displays prompts to reduce app usage, Instagram’s “Take a Break” feature is entirely opt-in. The company will suggest setting reminders, but will not enforce their use. This approach allows Instagram to demonstrate a commitment to addressing app addiction without mandating changes for its users.

Protecting Teens from Adult Contact

Instagram is expanding its efforts to shield teens from unwanted contact with adults. The platform already defaults teen accounts to private and restricts targeted advertising and inappropriate adult interactions. This is achieved through technology that identifies potentially suspicious behavior.

New features will prevent adults from tagging or mentioning teens who do not follow them. Additionally, teens will be excluded from Reels Remixes and Guides by default. These changes will be implemented next year.

Content Recommendations and Exploration

Instagram intends to refine the content recommended to teens within sections like Search, Explore, Hashtags, and Suggested Accounts.

The company is currently “exploring” ways to limit content in Explore, utilizing sensitive content control features launched in July. It is considering extending the “Limit Even More” setting to encompass Search, Hashtags, Reels, and Suggested Accounts.

Addressing Potentially Harmful Content

Instagram is also investigating the possibility of redirecting users away from topics they have been dwelling on for extended periods. This aims to address concerns about teens encountering potentially harmful content related to issues like eating disorders, anxiety, or depression.

However, this feature could also be used to promote more profitable content, such as posts from influencers and advertisements for Instagram Shopping, LIVE videos, and Reels.

Bulk Deletion Tools and Account Management

Starting in January, Instagram will introduce tools enabling users to bulk delete photos and videos from their accounts. This feature will be integrated into a new hub for managing account activity.

While presented as a safety feature, bulk deletion is a standard function for any ethically operated content management system, including Facebook, Twitter, and other social networks.

Ongoing Development and Future Plans

Instagram emphasizes that these are just some of the features currently in development. The company is also continuing to work on a new solution for verifying users’ ages using technology.

Mosseri expressed gratitude for the contributions of experts and researchers in areas such as child development and online safety. He also reaffirmed his commitment to collaborating with lawmakers and policymakers to create a safe and beneficial online environment for future generations.

In response to Meta’s announcement, Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) released a statement.