MPA Cease-and-Desist: Meta's Use of 'PG-13' Label Challenged

MPA Demands Meta Halt Use of "PG-13" Term

The Motion Picture Association (MPA) has issued a cease-and-desist letter to Meta. This legal action requests that Meta discontinue its utilization of the rating designation “PG-13,” as initially covered by The Wall Street Journal.

Meta's Content Restrictions and the MPA's Response

Previously, Meta announced a change to Instagram’s default settings for teenage users. Under the new policy, teens would primarily encounter content aligned with PG-13 movie ratings. However, just two weeks following this announcement, the MPA responded with the cease-and-desist letter.

The MPA argues that Meta’s assertion regarding PG-13 adherence for teen Instagram content is demonstrably untrue and potentially deceptive. They maintain that equating Meta’s content moderation with the established movie rating system is inaccurate.

Disparities Between Rating Systems

The MPA emphasizes that its established movie-rating system is fundamentally different from Meta’s approach. Meta’s content restrictions, according to the MPA, “appear to rely heavily on artificial intelligence.”

The letter highlights the decades of work invested in building public confidence in the MPA’s rating system. It expresses concern that any negative perception of Meta’s automated classifications could erode trust in the MPA’s integrity.

Meta's Defense and Fair Use Claim

In its response, Meta clarified that it did not suggest its teen accounts were officially certified or rated by the MPA. The company stated its content restrictions are guided by PG-13 standards, rather than being directly equivalent to them.

Furthermore, Meta asserts that its use of the term “PG-13” constitutes fair use. They believe the context of their application does not infringe upon the MPA’s rights.

Key Points of the Dispute

• The MPA objects to Meta’s use of the “PG-13” designation.
• The MPA claims Meta’s content restrictions are not comparable to its rating system.
• Meta maintains its use of the term is a guideline and qualifies as fair use.