RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – Unlike Facebook, Instagram did not ask users for their birth date during registration. However, the social media announced that as of Wednesday, December 4th, this information will be required to prevent children under the age of 13 from creating accounts.
Despite the change, Instagram will only request the age of new users. Thus, none of the active users on the platform will be affected by the rule which is provided in the social media’s terms of use, and will henceforth be implemented.
In addition to serving as a block for children’s accounts, age data will be used to provide guidance for younger users to protect their privacy. Instagram has also started to free up resources to restrict who may send messages or add members to groups.
The ban for children under 13 had already been unveiled by researcher Jane Manchun Wong, known for advancing changes in platforms. Excerpts from the Android App code already pointed out that Instagram would require this information.
“Providing your birth date helps us ensure that you get the right experience on Instagram. Only you will be able to see your birth date,” pointed out a warning in the code before the age verification was made official.
Instagram wants to keep users safe
In its announcement about the age requirement for new users, Instagram stated that it will consider the date of birth informed on Facebook for users who link the two accounts. If the profiles are not connected, Instagram will provide a section to enter users’ birth dates.
“Asking for this information will help prevent minors from joining Instagram and help us keep youths safer and provide age-appropriate experiences,” says Instagram.
Until then, by failing to require users age, the social media was in violation of the US law that prevented the collection of data from children under the age of 13 without parental consent. The platform was able to avoid fines by claiming it lacked this information.
The change introduced by Instagram does not prevent children under the age of 13 from continuing to use the social media, as they will still be able to report a false date. However, the measure may be the first step to avoid contacts of children with strangers and with ads aimed at adults.