2024-04-17 13:31:21
A wave of anger erupted among many Europeans against the “Meta” company after it reduced the minimum age for WhatsApp users from 16 to 13 years in the European Union.
Although this change was announced last February, it took effect two days ago, which angered many European activists.
The “Smartphone Free Childhood” campaign considered that this step “contradicts the increasing demands from major technology companies to do more to protect children.”
She also noted that officially allowing anyone over the age of 12 to use WhatsApp (the minimum age was 16 before today) sends a message that it is safe for children. But many experts, teachers and parents say the exact opposite, according to what was reported by The Guardian.
“We are fed up”
She stressed that society in general is tired of technology giants who put shareholders’ profits before the protection and safety of children.
On the other hand, WhatsApp denied that it was exposing young people to danger, pointing out that this change in age is in line with the minimum standard followed in most countries around the world.
However, Mark Bunting, director of online safety strategy at Ofcom, stressed that the regulatory body would not hesitate to impose fines on social media companies that failed to follow its guidance.
He explained in an interview with BBC Radio 4 that Ofcom has prepared rules to enforce online safety. He added, “When these rules come into effect next year, they will be held accountable if they do not prove that they took alternative and effective steps to keep children safe.”
This came after Meta, which also owns Facebook and Instagram, this week revealed a set of security features designed to protect users, especially young people, from “sextortion” and the misuse of intimate images.
It confirmed that it will begin testing a filter called Nudity Protection in Instagram direct messages, which will be turned on by default for users under 18 to automatically blur nude photos sent to users.
Last updated: April 13, 2024 – 21:03
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2024-04-17 13:31:21