Meta Limits Teen Access on Facebook, Critics Call It Insufficient

Meta has announced new restrictions aimed at users under 16 on its platforms, including Facebook and Messenger, in New Zealand. Starting from Thursday, the technology company will expand its ‘teen accounts’ initiative to all users in this age group, marking a global rollout. This move comes as part of Meta’s ongoing efforts to enhance safety measures for younger users, but critiques question the effectiveness of these changes.

The new teen accounts, which were initially launched for select Instagram users last year, will now encompass all Facebook and Messenger users under 16. These accounts will feature private settings with limitations on messaging, content exposure, and usage hours. Parents will have the ability to monitor their teens’ messaging history for the past seven days, set daily time limits, and access information about the topics their children explore on the platforms.

Meta’s regional policy director, Mia Garlick, stated that the company has successfully placed “hundreds of millions” of teens into these accounts, with approximately nine out of ten remaining in this restricted environment. She emphasized that rather than excluding teens from social media, which could lead them to less regulated online spaces, these accounts present a balanced and enforceable solution.

Despite these assurances, critics argue that the new restrictions will not adequately safeguard children online. Anna Curzon, co-chairperson of the New Zealand advocacy group B416, labeled Meta’s announcement a “media stunt.” She contended that the motivation behind the introduction of teen accounts is not to enhance safety but rather to respond to increasing global pressure for stricter regulations on children’s access to social media.

Curzon further asserted that Meta has yet to provide data demonstrating the efficacy of these restrictions. She believes the only viable method to protect children online is to impose a minimum age requirement for social media usage. “My message to parents is you cannot rely on these new settings at all,” she stated.

The New Zealand government is contemplating a social media ban for users under 16, having introduced a bill that would empower courts to impose fines on social media companies regarding verification processes. This bill has yet to be presented to Parliament. In contrast, the Australian government recently passed legislation establishing a minimum age of 16 for certain social media platforms, which is set to take effect by December.

Garlick remarked that Meta’s teen account initiative predated the discussions surrounding such bans and characterized the Australian legislation as rushed. “There wasn’t really a conversation at the time that it was rushed through Parliament in less than a week, as to what industry was already doing,” she noted, suggesting that New Zealand could benefit from a more measured approach.

Opinions among experts diverge on the potential impact of Meta’s new restrictions. Kong Meng Liew, a psychology lecturer and researcher focused on social media culture, expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of the measures. While he acknowledged that some restrictions might mitigate issues like cyberbullying, he stressed that they would not sufficiently address broader mental health concerns. “I don’t think this would do anything,” he stated, pointing to the need for targeted interventions on algorithms that perpetuate harmful content.

In a related incident, Christchurch documentary maker Nadia Maxwell created an Instagram account posing as a 13-year-old girl. Despite the implementation of teen account restrictions, she reported receiving an overwhelming amount of content related to anorexia and eating disorders. “I find it really frustrating that Meta are making another grand announcement,” she said, highlighting the inadequacy of protective measures for younger users.

Meta responded to Maxwell’s claims by stating it could not evaluate her experience or verify the status of her account due to a lack of shared data. Garlick explained that users attempting to modify their age prior to the new restrictions would be required to provide verification through biometric scans or ID, with privacy measures in place to delete this information afterward.

As Meta rolls out these changes, the future of social media regulation for young users remains a contentious topic, with stakeholders urging a more comprehensive approach to safeguarding children’s online experiences.