Meta (NASDAQ:META) announced Tuesday that it will begin applying PG-13 content ratings by default to teenage accounts on Instagram, as the company faces growing scrutiny over how it protects users under the age of 18.
As part of the new policy, Meta will use age prediction technology to assign teens to appropriate content protection levels — even if they set their profiles to indicate they are adults.
The decision follows mounting criticism after an August investigation by Reuters revealed that the platform had allowed provocative chatbot interactions, including permitting bots to engage in “conversations that are romantic or sensual.”
In reaction to that report, Meta pledged to strengthen its safety measures for younger users. The company said it would train its AI systems to prevent flirtatious exchanges and filter out discussions involving self-harm or suicide.
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or other professional advice. It should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell any securities or financial instruments. All investments involve risk, including the potential loss of principal. Past performance is not indicative of future results. You should conduct your own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.
Some portions of this content may have been generated or assisted by artificial intelligence (AI) tools and been reviewed for accuracy and quality by our editorial team.