Meta, formerly known as Facebook, is under fire yet again. This time, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has accused the company of failing to protect children who use its Messenger Kids app. The app, which is designed for children under the age of 13, allows them to communicate with friends and family members under the supervision of their parents.
In a scathing statement, the FTC accused Meta of “failing to provide adequate protections” for children using Messenger Kids. The statement alleges that the company allowed children to join groups without their parents’ permission and that it failed to properly vet group administrators. The statement also alleges that Meta failed to take adequate measures to prevent children from being exposed to inappropriate content.
The FTC’s investigation began in 2019, after reports emerged that Messenger Kids had allowed children to join groups with strangers. The investigation was launched as part of a settlement between Meta and the FTC over the company’s previous privacy violations.
The FTC’s latest allegations come at a time when Meta is facing increased scrutiny over its practices. The company has been criticized for its handling of user data and its role in the spread of misinformation and hate speech on its platforms.
Meta has responded to the FTC’s allegations by saying that it takes “the safety of kids on our platforms very seriously.” In a statement, the company said that it has already made changes to Messenger Kids, including adding new features that give parents more control over their children’s use of the app.
However, the FTC’s allegations raise serious questions about the company’s commitment to protecting children. The allegations also raise concerns about the effectiveness of self-regulation in the tech industry, and the need for stronger government oversight of companies like Meta.
In the wake of the FTC’s announcement, child advocacy groups and lawmakers have called for stricter regulations on companies that target children. Some have even called for Messenger Kids to be shut down altogether.
It remains to be seen how Meta will respond to the FTC’s allegations, and what the long-term consequences of this scandal will be. However, one thing is clear: the issue of protecting children online is one that needs to be taken seriously by all companies, and by society as a whole.
