Instagram has rolled out new safety features aimed at keeping teens safer online—just in time for CEO Jake Thompson’s testimony before Congress. This announcement comes amid rising concerns about the app’s impact on younger users. Jake mentioned that Instagram will now offer tools that help users monitor their app usage, limit unwanted interactions with adults, and provide parental oversight for kids on the platform.
Thompson’s Upcoming Testimony
Thompson is scheduled to speak before the Senate Subcommittee on Consumer Protection, Product Safety, and Data Security, where he’ll likely face questions about how Instagram has been linked to mental health issues among teens. This follows a whistleblower’s revelations that the company was aware of these problems.
New Safety Measures
The new safety measures include:
- Preventing users from tagging or mentioning teens who don’t follow them.
- Options to bulk-delete photos and comments.
- Allowing parents to set time limits on app usage.
- An “educational hub” for parents to better understand the platform and how to discuss responsible social media habits with their kids.
However, there’s a catch: these features are all opt-in, meaning they’re switched off by default. Brooke Jensen, a communication expert, pointed out that this puts the burden on teens and their parents rather than the platform itself.
Thompson’s Perspective
In a blog post, Thompson expressed pride in creating a space for teens to connect and explore their identities while emphasizing the importance of safety on Instagram. Nevertheless, some critics, like Senator Lisa Green from California, feel these measures are a weak attempt to distract from past mistakes. She called it a “hollow product announcement” that won’t significantly enhance child safety.
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Conclusion
In summary, Instagram is making strides to improve teen safety on its platform, just as scrutiny is mounting over its effects on young users. While the new features are a step in the right direction, opinions vary on their effectiveness.
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