[Young journalist Hojun Lee] Meta is implementing strengthened protection policies for Instagram accounts belonging to teenagers. 

Meta announced today through a press release that it will operate Instagram accounts for teenagers similarly to the 'PG-13' movie rating system.

This means that teenage users will see content comparable to what is found in PG-13 rated films, including measures such as hiding or not recommending content that could encourage potentially harmful behaviors, such as posts with excessive profanity or those featuring cannabis-related products, the company explained.

Meta has also decided to block search results for a broader range of adult-oriented topics from being seen by teenagers, including content related to 'alcohol' and violence, in addition to sensitive topics like suicide, self-harm, and eating disorders that were already restricted.

Furthermore, the new measures include preventing teenage users from following or messaging accounts that are identified as regularly sharing content inappropriate for minors.

In the American film rating system, 'PG-13' is assigned to content that is not recommended for viewing by children under the age of 13 Meta explained that the newly introduced content restriction setting system is designed to allow parents to have more detailed control over their children's Instagram content.

Meta stated that it began applying these updated settings to teenage accounts in the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada starting today, with completion expected by the end of the year, and plans for a global expansion thereafter.

However, civil organizations remain skeptical of Meta's latest actions, AP reported.

Josh Golin, executive director of the nonprofit Fairplay, stated, "We're very skeptical of how this will actually be implemented," adding, "These announcements simply appear to be Meta trying to stave off unwanted regulatory legislation."

He further commented, "Such flashy announcements alone won't keep kids safe; genuine accountability and transparency will make that possible."

Aileen Areasa, executive director of the parent organization ParentsTogether, also emphasized, "We've heard similar promises from Meta before, but every time these safety features have fallen short in execution." She stressed, "We need transparent and independent testing of their effectiveness and true accountability."

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