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Instagram Announces Privacy Updates for Underage Users

Private accounts and less targeted ads

By Allison Murray Allison Murray Tech News Reporter Southern Illinois University Allison reports on all things tech. She's a news junky that keeps her eye on the latest trends. Allison is a writer working out of Chicago, IL, with her only coworker: her cat Norbert. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on July 27, 2021 11:35AM EDT Fact checked by Rich Scherr Fact checked by Rich Scherr University of Maryland Baltimore County Rich Scherr is a seasoned technology and financial journalist who spent nearly two decades as the editor of Potomac and Bay Area Tech Wire. lifewire's fact checking process Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email Social Media Mobile Phones Internet & Security Computers & Tablets Smart Life Home Theater & Entertainment Software & Apps Social Media Streaming Gaming Instagram is making the experience for underage users much more private, with updates announced on Tuesday. The social network said in a blog post it will begin to automatically default any new user under the age of 16 to a private account. Instagram said current users in that age range with a public account will be able to keep it public. However, they will be encouraged about the benefits of having a private account. Elva Etienne / Getty Images "Historically, we asked young people to choose between a public account or a private account when they signed up for Instagram, but our recent research showed that they appreciate a more private experience. During testing, eight out of 10 young people accepted the private default settings during sign-up," Instagram wrote in its blog post announcing the new updates. Instagram is also implementing new technology designed to weed out accounts that have shown suspicious behavior towards younger users. so that they won’t show up in the Explore tab or in Reels. The company said these accounts include "accounts belonging to adults that may have recently been blocked or reported by a young person." Instagram is also implementing new technology that would weed out accounts that have shown suspicious behavior towards younger users... Finally, the platform said it is limiting the options advertisers have to reach young people with ads. Advertisers will only be able to use targeted ads to people over 18 on Instagram, Facebook, and Messenger. Tuesday’s updates could be a push towards Instagram opening its platform to even younger users, specifically, those under 13. Instagram is said to be working on a separate platform geared toward kids under 13 as a way to better incorporate the generation that has grown up online. Experts say a kid-friendly platform could work if done right, with built-in safeguards and parental supervision. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire Instagram Steps Up User Safety With Better Blocking Tools and Hidden Words Is TikTok Safe to Use? How to View Instagram Stories Anonymously How to Create an Instagram Best Nine Collage How to Repost an Instagram Story How to Use TikTok How to Set up Instagram Parental Controls How to Block Someone on Instagram How to Use Instagram How to Unblock Someone on Instagram What Is Instagram, and Why Should You Be Using It? How to Use YouTube's Parental Controls How to Get on the Instagram Explore Page How to Stop Facebook Ads From Tracking You How to Go Live on TikTok Hottest Social App Trends for Teens Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies