Social media company Meta announced that minors under the age of 16 will be prohibited from using Instagram’s live feature without parental consent.

Meta has expanded security measures for individuals under 18 on the Facebook and Messenger platforms as well. The company is enhancing safety measures for young users on Instagram with the live streaming ban. Minors under the age of 16 will not be able to use the Live feature on Instagram without parental permission. “Young accounts” were introduced last year, allowing parents to set daily time limits for app usage, restrict their children’s access to Instagram at certain times, and view accounts their children are messaging.

PARENTAL CONSENT REQUIRED Facebook and Messenger young accounts will initially be available in the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada. Similar to Instagram accounts, users under 16 will need parental consent to change settings. Meta disclosed that Instagram’s young accounts are used by 54 million individuals under 18 worldwide, with over 90% of those aged 13-15 maintaining default restrictions.