According to reports, the Attorneys General from 44 states has come together to urge against Facebook building an Instagram platform for kids.
In a letter addressed to Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg, the AGs “cited the mental distress social media can inflict on younger children, along with children’s inability to understand privacy,” as reasons to abandon plans for a 13-and-under version of IG.
“It appears that Facebook is not responding to a need, but instead creating one, as this platform appeals primarily to children who otherwise do not or would not have an Instagram account. In short, an Instagram platform for young children is harmful for myriad reasons. The attorneys general urge Facebook to abandon its plans to launch this new platform,” the letter reads.
Zuckerberg confirmed the development of an Instagram for children during a congressional hearing last month and explained why he believed the new platform could benefit the youth. “I think helping people stay connected with friends and learn about different content online is broadly positive,” he said during last month’s congressional hearing.”There are clearly issues that need to be thought through and worked out, including how parents can control the experience of kids, especially of kids under the age of 13 but I think that something like this could be quite helpful for a lot of people.”
