Facebook boss Mark Zuckerberg's plan to create an Instagram version for children and young people under the age of 13 is receiving harsh criticism.

Is “Instagram for Kids” Zuckerberg’s way to win back youth? And what do the experts say about it?

Goals behind “Instagram for Kids”

According to Facebook guidelines, children and young people under the age of 13 do not currently have access to the social network. Facebook now wants to change this with its “new youth column”, an “Instagram for Kids”. According to the tech giant, the idea behind it is to better protect young users from so-called cybergrooming. This refers to the targeted stalking of minors on the Internet with the aim of establishing sexual contact.

However, another reason could be that Facebook wants to catch up with its competitors Snapchat and TikTok, which are used significantly more by the younger target group. With Kids Insta, Facebook could try to attract potential users as early as possible.

No adequate protection in the past

In a letter, experts and 44 attorneys general from the USA addressed Mark Zuckerberg and criticized his plan. Facebook has already shown in the past that the company cannot adequately guarantee the safety of children.

An example of this is Messenger, which Facebook launched for children in 2017. There, too, there was criticism that the company had not adequately protected young users from contact with adults.

Psychological consequences possible

According to prosecutors, possible cyberbullying posed great danger. The research detailed in the letter to Zuckerberg raises concerns that depression, low self-esteem and even suicidal thoughts in children could result.

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Source: CHIP
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