Facebook are planning to create a new Instagram social media platform for children under the age of 13
The social media giant has faced fierce criticism in the past for the way it exploits children through advertising, addiction and fear of missing out
On Monday, the attorneys general of 44 states wrote to Mark Zuckerburg asking him to abandon plans to build the new platform
‘It appears that Facebook is not responding to a need, but instead creating one,’ the AGs letter said
However, Facebook said they planned to press ahead with plans for the platform in a statement on Monday
Companies must obtain parental consent before collecting a child younger than 13’s personal information
They must also give parents access to any data they hold about the child, and only retain personal data collected from kids for ‘as long as is necessary’
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The AGs said in the letter said they are concerned about social media’s effects on the physical and emotional well-being of children, the potential for increased cyberbullying, possible vulnerability to online predators, and what they called Facebook’s ‘checkered record’ in protecting children on its platforms.
‘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,’ said the letter.
The letter was signed by the attorneys general of 40 states, the District of Columbia and three US territories.
‘It’s shameful that Facebook is ignoring the very real threat that social media poses to the safety and well-being of young children in an attempt to profit off of a vulnerable segment of our population,’ Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey said in a statement.
However, Facebook in a statement Monday said it would press ahead with its Instagram for kids channel and try to work with legislators.
www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-9563041/AGs-urge-Facebook-drop-Instagram-kids-proposal.html
h/t Coastie Patriot