The use of social networks has become essential in our daily lives. Among them, Instagram stands out as one of the most popular platforms. However, security and user protection measures are essential to ensure a positive and safe experience. Instagram recently announced a new requirement: all users will have to register their date of birth. This decision raises questions and concerns, but it primarily aims to enhance the safety of young users and create a healthier online environment.
Why Instagram is imposing this new rule
The main reason behind this new requirement is the protection of minors. By knowing the age of users, Instagram can provide tailored and safe experiences for younger individuals. This includes stricter parental controls and restrictions on inappropriate content. Children and teenagers are particularly vulnerable to online dangers, such as cyberbullying, predators, and exposure to harmful content. By requiring the date of birth, Instagram can better target and limit these risks.
Moreover, this measure allows Instagram to comply with regulations in various countries. For example, the U.S. law COPPA (Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act) imposes strict restrictions on the collection of personal information from children under 13. Similarly, the GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) in Europe emphasizes the protection of minors’ data. By asking for the date of birth, Instagram ensures compliance with these regulations and avoids potential penalties.
How will this affect users?
For users, registering their date of birth on Instagram will now be mandatory. Those who have not yet provided this information will receive notifications prompting them to do so. This measure will be implemented gradually to allow users to adapt. Existing accounts will also need to update their information.
An impact on privacy?
Some users may be concerned about the privacy of their data. However, Instagram clarified that the date of birth will not be publicly visible. Only users and the platform will have access to it. Furthermore, Instagram is committed to not using this information for advertising purposes, but solely to enhance safety and the user experience.
Benefits for young users
Young users will benefit from age-appropriate content and features. For example, accounts of users under 18 will be automatically set to private mode. This means that only approved followers will be able to see their posts. Additionally, interactions with unknown adults will be limited, thereby reducing the risk of inappropriate interactions.
Future prospects
This new policy from Instagram aligns with a broader trend across social media platforms to enhance user protection, particularly for young people. With increasing concerns about online safety, it’s likely that other platforms will follow suit and introduce similar measures.
Parents, educators, and users themselves need to be aware of the benefits of these changes. By supporting these initiatives, they contribute to creating a safer and more positive online environment. Cooperation between platforms, regulators, and users is essential to ensure the success of these measures and protect future generations.
Improving user safety
The company stated that this feature will help it improve user safety and allow the platform to implement other features for this purpose. In recent months, Instagram has built a ton of tools related to teen safety. In March, it launched an AI-powered feature to prevent adults from messaging children. Last month, all new accounts for users under 16 became private by default.
If you did not add your date of birth during registration, Instagram will show you multiple notifications about it, like the one presented below.
Content restriction or account deletion?
The company also plans to restrict certain content based on different age groups. It will ask you to share your birth date – if you haven’t done so – before viewing content that may be sensitive.
However, there’s a peculiarity in this new change. Instagram has not hesitated to admit that this will help it show you “more relevant ads“. This point tends to annoy me somewhat. I understand that as a social media platform, you need to add age restriction as a feature, but using this information for advertising is ultimately a nice joke. But then again, this is a company owned by Facebook. And Facebook and privacy… you know!
It’s also unknown whether advertisers will have access to your adult status or specific birth dates. We asked the company to share more details, and we will update this article if we receive a response.
You can learn more about Instagram’s new birth date sharing policy here.
