Instagram restricts adults over the age of 19 from messaging teens who don’t follow them

Instagram is implementing stricter messaging rules aimed at preventing unwanted contact with adults. The new policy prohibits adults over 19 from sending private messages (DMs) to any teenager who doesn’t follow them directly.

This restriction applies regardless of whether the adult and teen are connected through mutual friends or other groups.

In some countries, teens under 16 (or under 18) will have their default Direct Messaging settings automatically adjusted to “friends only.” This means they will only receive messages from users they currently follow or are connected to, excluding other teens and adults they do not follow.

Moreover, Teens using parental supervision on their accounts will require parental approval to adjust their Direct Messaging settings away from the default “friends only” option. This gives parents greater control over their teens’ online interactions.

Instagram, which is also getting a subscription model in the EU, plans to launch a new feature later this year to further protect teens from inappropriate content in Direct Messages. This feature will operate even in encrypted chats and is intended to deter both the sending and receiving harmful images.

The way I look at it, critics may raise concerns about unintended consequences, such as limited opportunities for teens to connect with mentors or role models outside their immediate social circles. Additionally, concerns may arise regarding the effectiveness of the policy in preventing determined efforts to circumvent its restrictions. But overall, I think we needed these changes.

What’s your take on it?

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