Advocacy groups from around the world have signed a joint statement asking Facebook to forego its plans of launching a "Kids" version of its Instagram social media app.
The letter was forwarded to the company by the Campaign for a Commercial-free Childhood organization, signed by 99 different advocacy groups and individuals. In the letter, the groups claimed that too much exposure to social media and the "image-obsessed" platform could be detrimental to children's health and privacy.
Facebook previously announced plans to launch a children's version of Instagram. The app would reportedly only be available to children under 13-years of age. Facebook said the app would be fully "managed by parents."
"Kids are already online, and want to connect with their family and friends, have fun, and learn. We want to help them do that in a safe and age-appropriate way, and find practical solutions to the ongoing industry problem of kids lying about their age to access apps," Facebook said.
Facebook said it is working on advanced age verification methods to keep children off Instagram and its other mobile apps. The company said it is also simultaneously working on an "Instagram experience for kids."
"We agree that any experience we develop must prioritize their safety and privacy, and we will consult with experts in child development, child safety and mental health, and privacy advocates to inform it. We also won't show ads in any Instagram experience we develop for people under the age of 13," Facebook said.
The advocacy groups argued that launching a children's version of Instagram is unlikely to stop young children from lying about their age and creating accounts on social media platforms. In the letter, the groups said children are unlikely to abandon their accounts for the new "baby-ish" platform.
"Instagram's business model relies on extensive data collection, maximizing time on devices, promoting a culture of over-sharing and idolizing influencers, as well as a relentless focus on often altered physical appearance," Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood executive director, Josh Golin, said.
The senior strategist at the US digital rights group Center for Digital Democracy, Kathryn Montgomery, agreed with the letter's argument. Montgomery said Facebook is likely only aiming to expand its franchise to an even younger demographic. Introducing young children to its "powerful commercialized" social media environment will pose a serious threat to children's health and well-being, Montgomery said.
