Meta Proposes New Measures for Online Child Safety

Meta, owner of Instagram and Facebook, has proposed requiring parental approval for app installations by users under 16. This comes after Australia's eSafety Commissioner urged tech companies to develop protections for kids. Apple accused Meta of shirking its responsibilities. Collaboration is needed for effective online safety.

Melbourne, Sep 7 (The Conversation) – Meta, which owns social media platforms such as Instagram and Facebook, has unveiled its strategy for ensuring online safety for children. The plan recommends that companies like Apple and Google, which manage mobile app stores, require parental approval for any app installations attempted by users under 16.

Meta’s proposal aligns with the recent push by Australia’s eSafety Commissioner, Julie Inman Grant, who had given major tech firms a six-month deadline to formulate child protection codes. However, Apple responded by accusing Meta of sidestepping its own safety responsibilities.

As the major tech platforms navigate these safety challenges, they appear more focused on passing the responsibility rather than collaborating. The opportunity for cooperation provided by the eSafety Commissioner could significantly improve online safety for children, teens, and parents, but current actions suggest this chance may be wasted.