Instagram pulls back on plans for 'Instagram Kids' app
Global social media platform Instagram has "paused" work on an "Instagram Kids" app aimed at those younger than the 13-year-old age limit set for the popular app.
Instagram Kids was set to be an app for "tweens" aged 10 to 12 who have a mobile phone but cannot access Instagram (without lying about their age). Plans by the Facebook owned app set out a version which had no advertisements or ad tracking, and had "age appropriate" content only.
However Head of Instagram Adam Mosseri has announced work on Instagram Kids was being paused while the company expanded its consultation with experts.
READ MORE: Instagram introduces child protection feature for social media app
Instagram Kids has been put on hold by the social media giant. AP
In a statement Mr Mosseri said: "This will give us time to continue our dialogue with experts, policymakers, regulators, experts and parents, to listen to their concerns and demonstrate the value and importance of this project to enhance safety for younger teens online today."
Citing apps by the company's competitors YouTube and TikTok aimed at those under 13, Mr Mosseri added: "We believe that developing age-appropriate experiences designed specifically for them is far better for parents than where we are today."
READ MORE: Instagram, Facebook users can now hide all likes on posts
In early 2021, Instagram made a number of changes around how 'likes' were displayed across its platform. AP
Some of the features developed for the "kids" app are set to be introduced for accounts on the main Instagram platform, including parental supervision for accounts.
READ MORE: Instagram for kids under 13 a 'stepping stone to get children hooked'
Instagram says plans for a version aimed at children have been put on hold. iStock
Instagram has also recently introduced anti-bullying measures on the platform aimed at protecting the youngest users, with more soon to be released that are aimed at "reducing negative social comparison".
Interestingly, Mr Mosseri's own Twitter account shared a post by one man who made observations on a broader problem with technology and those under 13:
The hand of Instagram on this issue appears to have been forced by recent reporting by the Wall Street Journal into Instagram's "research into teen's experiences on Instagram".
But Mr Mosseri's says he doesn't agree with "how the Journal has reported on our research".
"We do research like this so we can make Instagram better," he said.
"That means our insights often shed light on problems, but they inspire new ideas and changes to Instagram.
"I have three children and their safety is the most important thing in my life. I hear the concerns with this project, and we're announcing these steps today so we can get it right."
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