Meta’s new teen restrictions will only apply to users in the US for now

Meta's new safety features for Facebook and Instagram users aged 13 to 17 in the United States will initially only apply to American teenagers, according to a Bloomberg report. The measures are part of a landmark $18 billion settlement addressing safety concerns for children. These protections limit daily usage to two hours, restrict app access between midnight and 6 a.m., mute notifications during school hours, and hide post like counts.

However, Meta has not announced any similar safeguards for children in India. The company has not provided a timeline for extending these protections in India. Parents will need to manage these settings for their teens, as Meta has not announced specific timelines for rolling out its new safety measures for children in India. The settlement follows allegations that Meta endangered children through addictive features and inadequate privacy protections.

Critics argue the changes may not sufficiently address potential harms from social media, emphasizing the need for parental oversight. Governments worldwide are examining social media's impact on children, with some countries like Britain proposing restrictions. Meta reached the settlement on August 26, agreeing to pay up to $17.1 billion in penalties and implement major protections for younger users.