Facebook urged to scrap controversial ‘Instagram for Kids’ app over child safety fears
FACEBOOK is facing backlash in the US over plans to create a version of Instagram for children under 13.
Over 40 state attorneys general are now urging Facebook to drop its controversial 'Instagram for Kids' plan.
The attorneys general have released an open letter to CEO Mark Zuckerberg arguing that the physical and mental health of young children could be at risk if they use social media.
Concerns were raised over whether the platform will comply with existing federal children’s privacy law and whether it will be able to do enough to keep children safe.
One part of the letter states: "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.
"In short, an Instagram platform for young children is harmful for myriad reasons."
Facebook, which owns Instagram, is insisting that its 'Instagram for Kids' plan will put parents in control.
Facebook spokesman Andy Stone said in a statement: "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."
Facebook has also stressed that it's consulting with experts in child safety and mental health while making the new platform.
New York attorney general Letitia James, D, said in a statement: "Without a doubt, this is a dangerous idea that risks the safety of our children and puts them directly in harm’s way.
"Not only is social media an influential tool that can be detrimental to children who are not of appropriate age, but this plan could place children directly in the paths of predators."
No launch date for the preteen Instagram app has been announced.
Facebook has already faced scrutiny for launching a Messenger chat app for kids aged between six and 12 in 2017.
US group Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood (CCFC) even urged Mark Zuckerberg to take the Messenger app down over concerns for children's health and safety.
A Facebook spokesperson previously told us: "Increasingly kids are asking their parents if they can join apps that help them keep up with their friends.
"Right now there aren’t many options for parents, so we’re working on building additional products that are suitable for kids, managed by parents.
"We’re exploring bringing a parent-controlled experience to Instagram to help kids keep up with their friends, discover new hobbies and interests, and more."
Instagram – the key facts
Here's what you need to know...
- Instagram is a social network for sharing photos and videos
- It was created back in October 2010 as an iPhone-exclusive app
- A separate version for Android devices was released 18 months later
- The app rose to popularity thanks to its filters system, which lets you quickly edit your photos with cool effects
- When it first launched, users could only post square 1:1 ratio images, but that rule was changed in 2015
- In 2012, Facebook bought Instagram for $1billion in cash and stock
- In 2018, some analysts believe the app is worth closer to $100billion
- In October 2015, Instagram confirmed that more than 40billion photos had been uploaded to the app
- And in 2018, Instagram revealed that more than a billion people were using the app every month
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