Source: REUTERS
A group of Democratic U.S. lawmakers on Tuesday urged Facebook Inc (FB.O) to drop plans for a version of photo-sharing app Instagram for children younger than 13, saying the social media company had failed to “make meaningful commitments to protecting kids online.”

Senators Ed Markey and Richard Blumenthal and Representatives Kathy Castor and Lori Trahan said Facebook had not addressed their concerns. Facebook told the lawmakers in an April 26 letter made public on Tuesday that it does not have a set timeline for the version, but expects development will “take many months.”

“Facebook has a clear record of failing to protect children on its platforms,” the lawmakers said in a joint statement. “When it comes to putting people before profits, Facebook has forfeited the benefit of the doubt, and we strongly urge Facebook to abandon its plans to launch a version of Instagram for kids.”

Last week, a group of 40 state attorneys general also urged Facebook Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg to abandon those plans.

A Facebook spokesman said Tuesday “as every parent knows, kids are already online. We want to improve this situation by delivering experiences that give parents visibility and control over what their kids are doing.”

The company said previously it will not show ads in any Instagram version for people under 13.

The letter from the state attorneys general cited 2019 media reports that Facebook’s Messenger Kids app, intended for kids between the ages of six and 12, “contained a significant design flaw that allowed children to circumvent restrictions on online interactions and join group chats with strangers that were not previously approved by the children’s parents.”

Last month, the Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood also called on Zuckerberg not to create a kids version, saying it would put them at “great risk.”

(Written by David Shepardson. Published on May 18, 2021)


This content is for informational purposes only and should not be construed in any other way. The content is based on sources that InMaketsWeTrust.com believes to be reliable but are not guaranteed by us as accurate and does not purport to be a complete statement or summary of the available data. We encourage readers to supplement the information obtained from this content with independent research and other professional advice. InMaketsWeTrust.com is not responsible for errors and omissions and does not guarantee nor endorse any information published on this curated content. All opinions expressed are those of the writer, and may not necessarily represent fact, opinions, or bias of InMaketsWeTrust.com.

Leave a comment

Crypto Mining Store

The World’s #1 Guide to Financial Investing Options and Information

CONTACT:

Phone: ‪(561) 501-0581‬
Email: Info@InMarketsWeTrust.com
Address:
5527 N Military Trail Suite 1403
Boca Raton Florida 33496

In Markets We Trust © 2024. All rights reserved.

The content on this site is not a solicitation to buy or sell securities and should be regarded as "entertainment use only". Each content provider featured on InMarketsWeTrust.com has its own opinion and bias and may not share similar views as InMarketsWeTrust.com. InMarketsWeTrust.com is not a registered financial advisor or registered financial advisory firm. Any statement or opinion presented on InMarketsWeTrust.com should be considered "as is" without warranties of any kind either expressed or implied and should NOT be considered investment advice. By using this site, you agree to the terms presented in our Full Disclosure & Disclaimer Page.

Join our Newsletter

News and Updates Delivered to your inbox