Facebook has decided to pause its efforts on the Instagram app designed for younger users following significant criticism. The company, which has recently focused on creating products for younger audiences—such as the Portal video messaging device and Messenger Kids—now finds itself reassessing its plans for Instagram aimed at those under 13.
Instagram’s head, Adam Mosseri, stated in a blog post that although the project is temporarily shelved, work on a version for tweens (ages 10-12) will continue. He addressed the backlash, attributing it largely to media coverage and misunderstandings about the app’s intended purpose. “Pausing doesn’t change the fact that many under-13s are using phones, misrepresenting their ages, and accessing apps meant for older users,” he tweeted. “I believe parents would prefer an age-appropriate version of Instagram that allows for oversight, rather than leaving their kids to navigate the standard version unsupervised.”
However, Mosseri’s reassurances come after damaging revelations from the Wall Street Journal about Instagram Kids, including internal studies showing that Instagram could exacerbate body image issues among young girls. Advocacy groups have criticized Facebook’s claims of prioritizing child safety, arguing that the move appears to be an attempt to tap into a younger market despite potential risks.
“The project was publicized before we had a clear vision, leading to widespread concern. Recent reports heightened those worries,” Mosseri remarked. He emphasized that parental supervision was a key feature already being developed for users under 13, and in the coming months, the company will enhance parental controls for teen accounts on Instagram.
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In summary, Facebook is halting the development of the Instagram Kids app due to backlash and concerns about the app’s impact on young users. While the project is on hold, the company remains committed to creating a safer online environment for tweens with appropriate parental controls in place.
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