Meta has unveiled a series of new safety restrictions for its platforms, including Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp, as part of an $18 billion settlement with 48 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, and three territories. The measures, which follow allegations that the company designed addictive platforms and misled the public about safety risks, include daily two-hour time limits, the removal of autoplay videos, the muting of notifications during school hours, and the prohibition of certain beauty filters.

Despite these changes, many parents remain unconvinced that the measures will adequately protect their children. Elizabeth Cardner, a mother from Texas, noted that while the updates might reduce domestic arguments, they do not address the core issues. Similarly, Andria Rose, a parent based in Massachusetts, described the changes as insufficient, comparing the company's approach to “limiting the drug” rather than addressing the underlying addiction.

The settlement, which involved no admission of fault from Meta, includes a provision to withhold $5 billion of the total amount unless other major platforms like TikTok and YouTube adopt similar safety agreements. This condition has drawn criticism from some parents, such as Joanie Story, who characterized the move as “petty” and argued that the company is only partially addressing the harm it has caused.

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Teenagers also expressed mixed reactions. While some welcome the removal of features like public like counts, others remain skeptical about the long-term impact. Paige, a 14-year-old, suggested that as artificial intelligence advances, users will likely find new ways to bypass restrictions on content and filters.

Some parents are looking toward community-based solutions rather than relying on corporate policy. Mark SooHoo, a father from Chicago, advocates for the “Wait Until 8th” movement, which encourages parents to delay giving children smartphones until they reach the end of eighth grade. He argues that a “communal solution” is necessary to shield children from the negative impacts of social media.

Source: BBC News