The social media app says new privacy settings and features will create more age-appropriate experiences for youth under 18.
Tens of millions of teenagers with Instagram accounts may soon find their public profiles made private.
That’s because, starting Tuesday, Instagram plans to default all new and existing accounts set up by people who have indicated they are under 18 years old to private mode. In that setting, an account holder must approve new followers before they can see, like or comment on their posts.
The changes are part of a new effort by Instagram, called “Teen Accounts,” that packages new and existing safeguards for young people on the app. The company said the settings would help create more age-appropriate experiences for minors.
Instagram’s privacy and other changes may help address intensifying concerns by lawmakers and parent groups about the effects of social media apps on children. But they also risk irking some teenagers — and teen influencers — who are deeply invested in their public profiles.
Here’s what to know about the changes.
How will Instagram change for teenagers?
Besides making all new and existing accounts private by default, Instagram said it would now stop teenagers from receiving Instagram notifications between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m.
The app will also limit sensitive content for minors, such as nudity or discussions about self-harm, and prevent direct messages from people they don’t follow — existing restrictions that the company had previously announced.
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