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Facebook is reportedly working on a new version of Instagram for children under 13.
After releasing an update that restricts direct messaging for teens, Instagram may soon launch a new platform for kids. As BuzzFeed News reported, Facebook is working on a new version of the popular social media service aimed at children under 13. According to the report, this new platform was mentioned in an internal company post seen by BuzzFeed News. The post was written by Instagram VP of product Vishal Shah. It states:
We will build a new Youth pillar within the Community Product Group to focus on two things: (a) accelerating our integrity and privacy work to ensure the safest experience for teens and (b) building a version of Instagram that allows people under 13 to safely use Instagram for the first time.
Instagram for Kids: How does Facebook want to implement this?
Currently, anyone under the age of 13 is completely prohibited from using Instagram. There is even a dedicated support page for reporting profiles of children under 13 registered on Instagram. Still, the social network wants to reach this target audience somehow. Earlier this week, Instagram added a new restriction that prevents teens under 18 from receiving messages from adults in an effort to protect younger users from illegal content. If an Instagram for kids becomes a reality, it will likely have several restrictions and parental controls. Although Facebook sees an opportunity in reaching children - as the social network is extremely popular with teens - it is unknown how it will benefit from these users. After all, there are laws in several countries that prohibit targeting ads to children. Additionally, companies are prohibited by law from hosting content from users under 13. (Photo by Ink Drop / Bigstockphoto)
