Instagram pauses work on dedicated kids app
- It follows backlash from social media users and industry expert.
- Instagram insists that the Kids site will not be cancelled, although it will ‘continue work’ on expanded parent control tools.
Facebook has announced that it is temporarily pausing development of an Instagram Kids app following backlash from industry experts and child protection authorities.
Work on a dedicated platform for “tweens”, children aged between 10-12, has been paused as Facebook attempts to address concerns from experts, parents and regulators. Instagram Kids would’ve been separate from the main site, with no adverts, strict approval from parents to sign up, and child-friendly content.
Instagram says that it “firmly believe[s] that it’s better for parents to have the option to give their children access to a version of Instagram that is designed for them”. It has previously come under fire for failing to remove sensitive content, such as child pornography.
Recent reporting by the Wall Street Journal suggested that Instagram had adverse effects on teenagers, according to internal studies leaked to the publication. It claimed that Facebook “made minimal efforts” to address those concerns.
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