In a move to strengthen online safety for younger users, Meta has begun rolling out updated Teen Account features for Instagram in India. The update introduces a revised 13+ content setting that will be applied by default to users under 18.
As part of this change, teens will automatically be placed under the new setting and will not be able to switch it off without parental approval. The company said the goal is to ensure that the content visible to teens is similar to what is allowed in media rated for ages 13 and above, while reducing exposure to sensitive material.
The rollout has already started gradually in India and is expected to expand more widely over the coming months.
Meta has updated its content policies by aligning them with commonly accepted 13+ rating standards and incorporating feedback from parents. Under these rules, content such as sexually suggestive posts, graphic visuals, and adult-related material will continue to be restricted. Additionally, stricter limits will now apply to content involving strong language, risky stunts, and posts that may encourage harmful behaviour, including those related to marijuana.
The company has also strengthened safeguards across the platform using updated technology. Teen users will not be able to follow or interact with accounts flagged for age-inappropriate content, and such accounts will also be blocked from contacting them. Search results for sensitive topics, including alcohol or gore, will be restricted, even if the terms are misspelt.
These protections will apply across feeds, stories, recommendations, comments, and direct messages. Teens will not be able to view or engage with restricted content, even if it is shared by accounts they already follow. Links to such content sent via messages will also not open. Meta added that its AI systems have been updated to ensure responses remain suitable for users within the 13+ category.
In addition, a new “Limited Content” setting has been introduced, giving parents the option to apply even stricter controls. This feature will further filter content and limit interactions such as viewing, posting, or receiving comments.
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