Tech giant Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp, has agreed to report child safety-related matters directly to India's cybercrime portal as the Centre steps up efforts to hold social media platforms accountable for protecting children online.&nbsp;A Meta spokesperson said on Tuesday (Sept 15) that the company remains committed to tackling online child exploitation and related crimes. The company said it would work with Indian authorities to strengthen its response to cases involving child safety.&nbsp;"Protecting children on our platforms is a priority for us, and we’re committed to working with the government to ensure that the perpetrators of these crimes are held responsible," the Meta spokesperson said.&nbsp;"To collectively strengthen our efforts to combat this harm, Meta will now report child safety matters directly to the Cybercrime portal managed by the Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C)," the spokesperson added.&nbsp;The move is aimed at strengthening coordination between Meta and Indian authorities over child safety concerns and online crimes. The Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre operates under the Ministry of Home Affairs and works with law enforcement agencies on cybercrime prevention and response.<h2>Meta faces scrutiny over child safety</h2>The development comes amid growing government scrutiny of social media platforms over the safety of children online. Government sources said online safety for children is a fundamental requirement for social media platforms operating in India and described it as "non-negotiable".&nbsp;"Online safety of children is a fundamental principle for any social media platform to operate in India, and it is non-negotiable," the sources said.&nbsp;Meta representatives appeared before the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights on September 9 after the child rights body summoned the company's Managing Director and Head of Meta India. The appearance was linked to an inquiry into alleged advertisements related to Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse Material on Meta's platforms.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/meta-reaches-16-7-billion-settlement-with-us-states-over-teen-safety-and-addictive-design-1787763018294">Meta reaches $16.7 billion settlement with US states over teen safety and addictive design</a><h2>Countries tighten social media rules for children</h2>In the United States, Meta agreed in August to a settlement worth up to $16.68 billion with 29 states over allegations that Facebook and Instagram were designed in ways that contributed to harm among young users. The settlement also includes changes aimed at strengthening protections for children and teenagers. Meta has denied wrongdoing.&nbsp;Several countries have also moved to restrict children's access to social media or strengthen protections for young users. Australia has already introduced restrictions on social media access for children under 16, while other countries including France and the UK have considered measures targeting children's use of online platforms.&nbsp;The European Union is also preparing the EU Kids Act, which is expected to propose restrictions on access to social media, video-sharing platforms, AI chatbots and online games for children under 15. The proposed framework would introduce age-based access rules and require digital platforms to adopt stronger safety measures for children.&nbsp;The proposed EU rules would also seek to make digital services safer by design, including measures targeting features considered potentially addictive. However, the proposal would still have to go through the EU legislative process before becoming law.

Meta will report child safety matters directly to India's I4C cybercrime portal as governments in India, the US and Europe step up measures to make social media platforms safer for children.

Tech giant Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp, has agreed to report child safety-related matters directly to India's cybercrime portal as the Centre steps up efforts to hold social media platforms accountable for protecting children online. A Meta spokesperson said on Tuesday (Sept 15) that the company remains committed to tackling online child exploitation and related crimes. The company said it would work with Indian authorities to strengthen its response to cases involving child safety. "Protecting children on our platforms is a priority for us, and we’re committed to working with the government to ensure that the perpetrators of these crimes are held responsible," the Meta spokesperson said. "To collectively strengthen our efforts to combat this harm, Meta will now report child safety matters directly to the Cybercrime portal managed by the Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C)," the spokesperson added. The move is aimed at strengthening coordination between Meta and Indian authorities over child safety concerns and online crimes. The Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre operates under the Ministry of Home Affairs and works with law enforcement agencies on cybercrime prevention and response. Meta faces scrutiny over child safety The development comes amid growing government scrutiny of social media platforms over the safety of children online. Government sources said online safety for children is a fundamental requirement for social media platforms operating in India and described it as "non-negotiable". "Online safety of children is a fundamental principle for any social media platform to operate in India, and it is non-negotiable," the sources said. Meta representatives appeared before the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights on September 9 after the child rights body summoned the company's Managing Director and Head of Meta India. The appearance was linked to an inquiry into alleged advertisements related to Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse Material on Meta's platforms. Also Read: Meta reaches $16.7 billion settlement with US states over teen safety and addictive design Countries tighten social media rules for children In the United States, Meta agreed in August to a settlement worth up to $16.68 billion with 29 states over allegations that Facebook and Instagram were designed in ways that contributed to harm among young users. The settlement also includes changes aimed at strengthening protections for children and teenagers. Meta has denied wrongdoing. Several countries have also moved to restrict children's access to social media or strengthen protections for young users. Australia has already introduced restrictions on social media access for children under 16, while other countries including France and the UK have considered measures targeting children's use of online platforms. The European Union is also preparing the EU Kids Act, which is expected to propose restrictions on access to social media, video-sharing platforms, AI chatbots and online games for children under 15. The proposed framework would introduce age-based access rules and require digital platforms to adopt stronger safety measures for children. The proposed EU rules would also seek to make digital services safer by design, including measures targeting features considered potentially addictive. However, the proposal would still have to go through the EU legislative process before becoming law.

Meta will report child safety matters directly to India's I4C cybercrime portal as governments in India, the US and Europe step up measures to make social media platforms safer for children.

India tightens child safety rules: Meta agrees to report child sexual abuse cases

Meta has reached a settlement with US states and territories over a court case linked to child safety on Facebook and Instagram.&nbsp;The Mark Zuckerberg-led tech giant will pay up to $16.7 billion to a coalition of US states and introduce sweeping new limits on how teenagers use its social media platforms. The agreement was filed in court on Wednesday and brings a landmark trial in California to an end.&nbsp;The proposed settlement would resolve claims brought by 29 states. They accused Meta of deliberately designing its platforms to hook young users, misleading the public about the risks and unlawfully collecting data from children under 13.&nbsp;The new restrictions on young users go further than any measures Meta has previously accepted. The changes follow years of criticism from parents and experts over the impact of major social media platforms on children.&nbsp;Concerns over apps such as Instagram and Facebook, along with rival platforms including Snapchat and TikTok, have also led to the introduction of age limits and smartphone bans in schools across the world.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-95-killed-133-indians-among-403-still-missing-after-flash-floods-in-nepal-1787755891807">At least 95 killed, 133 Indians among 403 still missing after flash floods in Nepal</a><h3>Meta still faces other legal cases</h3>The settlement does not cover thousands of personal injury claims against Meta in the United States or separate lawsuits filed by school districts.&nbsp;The case involving the 29 states was among the most extensive legal challenges faced by Meta. The company had warned that losing the case in court could have exposed it to more than $1 trillion in penalties.&nbsp;"Meta has agreed to make massive transformations that will reduce the risk of harm from its platforms -- and will do it within months," California Attorney General Rob Bonta said in a statement.&nbsp;He described the outcome as "real change, real transparency, and real enforceable protections for children."&nbsp;The court filing states that the settlement does not amount to an admission of liability or wrongdoing by Meta. The company has consistently denied the allegations. The agreement will also need court approval before it takes effect.<h3>New limits for teenage users</h3>The biggest changes under the agreement are not financial. Meta has agreed to introduce several new safeguards that will significantly change how teenagers use its platforms.&nbsp;Under one measure, Facebook and Instagram will automatically block teenage users between midnight and 6:00 am local time.&nbsp;Teenage accounts will also have a default limit of two hours of cumulative daily use across Meta's apps. Time spent messaging or watching long-form video will not count towards the limit.&nbsp;Both restrictions could become stricter if other social media companies adopt similar measures.&nbsp;Meta has presented the agreement as a possible framework for the wider social media industry and urged its competitors to follow the same approach. "Because teens move fluidly across dozens of apps, we need an industry-wide solution," said C.J. Mahoney, Meta's chief legal officer.&nbsp;"We therefore call on our industry peers, TikTok and YouTube, to implement this new framework, right away."&nbsp;If competing platforms agree to equivalent measures, the overnight block would be extended from 10 pm to 7 am. The daily usage allowance would also fall to 60 minutes per app, with a total limit of two hours.

Meta has agreed to a $16.7 billion settlement with US states over allegations of addictive design and child safety failures, while accepting new limits and safeguards for teenage users on Facebook and Instagram.

Meta has reached a settlement with US states and territories over a court case linked to child safety on Facebook and Instagram. The Mark Zuckerberg-led tech giant will pay up to $16.7 billion to a coalition of US states and introduce sweeping new limits on how teenagers use its social media platforms. The agreement was filed in court on Wednesday and brings a landmark trial in California to an end. The proposed settlement would resolve claims brought by 29 states. They accused Meta of deliberately designing its platforms to hook young users, misleading the public about the risks and unlawfully collecting data from children under 13. The new restrictions on young users go further than any measures Meta has previously accepted. The changes follow years of criticism from parents and experts over the impact of major social media platforms on children. Concerns over apps such as Instagram and Facebook, along with rival platforms including Snapchat and TikTok, have also led to the introduction of age limits and smartphone bans in schools across the world. Also Read: At least 95 killed, 133 Indians among 403 still missing after flash floods in Nepal Meta still faces other legal cases The settlement does not cover thousands of personal injury claims against Meta in the United States or separate lawsuits filed by school districts. The case involving the 29 states was among the most extensive legal challenges faced by Meta. The company had warned that losing the case in court could have exposed it to more than $1 trillion in penalties. "Meta has agreed to make massive transformations that will reduce the risk of harm from its platforms -- and will do it within months," California Attorney General Rob Bonta said in a statement. He described the outcome as "real change, real transparency, and real enforceable protections for children." The court filing states that the settlement does not amount to an admission of liability or wrongdoing by Meta. The company has consistently denied the allegations. The agreement will also need court approval before it takes effect. New limits for teenage users The biggest changes under the agreement are not financial. Meta has agreed to introduce several new safeguards that will significantly change how teenagers use its platforms. Under one measure, Facebook and Instagram will automatically block teenage users between midnight and 6:00 am local time. Teenage accounts will also have a default limit of two hours of cumulative daily use across Meta's apps. Time spent messaging or watching long-form video will not count towards the limit. Both restrictions could become stricter if other social media companies adopt similar measures. Meta has presented the agreement as a possible framework for the wider social media industry and urged its competitors to follow the same approach. "Because teens move fluidly across dozens of apps, we need an industry-wide solution," said C.J. Mahoney, Meta's chief legal officer. "We therefore call on our industry peers, TikTok and YouTube, to implement this new framework, right away." If competing platforms agree to equivalent measures, the overnight block would be extended from 10 pm to 7 am. The daily usage allowance would also fall to 60 minutes per app, with a total limit of two hours.

Meta has agreed to a $16.7 billion settlement with US states over allegations of addictive design and child safety failures, while accepting new limits and safeguards for teenage users on Facebook and Instagram.

Meta reaches $16.7 billion settlement with US states over teen safety and addictive design

A former engineering director at Meta Platforms (META.O) claimed on Wednesday (August 19) that ​CEO Mark Zuckerberg encouraged a culture that treated child safety as secondary to growth and engagement on Facebook and Instagram. The allegation has been made by Arturo Bejar, a vocal critic of Meta's ‌safety record during his second day of testimony in a landmark trial over claims that could reshape Facebook and Instagram, some of the most popular apps on the planet. US states, including California, Colorado, Kentucky and New Jersey, accused Meta of formulating the platforms to grab the attention of young users, fueling anxiety, depression and even suicide, as well as misleading consumers about their safety. Those states also accused the firm of violating federal law ​by improperly collecting and using personal data of children under 13. Experts indicated this trial as the most significant legal test yet to examine how social media impacts young users. Proceedings began on Tuesday in the Oakland, California, federal court with the case expected to last across six weeks. Jurors will deliver a non-binding advisory verdict, after which U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers will determine whether Meta bears liability and, if so, decide on any penalties and required changes to Facebook and Instagram.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/us-tightens-green-card-scrutiny-indians-in-backlog-face-new-public-charge-test-1787207437983">US tightens green card scrutiny: Indians in backlog face new ‘public charge’ test</a><h3>Zuckerberg's role in company decision-making</h3>The states' opening witness, Bejar, testified that Mark Zuckerberg was deeply involved in company decision-making, describing a top-down culture at the Menlo Park-based firm where product changes happened only with his direct approval. "If Mark ​makes something a priority, mountains move in months," Bejar said. He also pushed back against remarks Zuckerberg made in October 2021, made in response to claims from whistleblower Frances Haugen that Meta was aware its platforms posed risks to children, and knew how to fix them, yet chose profit over safety. Zuckerberg had maintained at the time that Meta regularly relied on research to enhance its products. Bejar countered this by revealing he had personally emailed Zuckerberg to raise safety concerns. "It's so false, every ​part of it," Bejar said. "You just cannot trust Mark Zuckerberg with kids." Bejar's tenure at Meta ran from 2009 to 2015, and he later returned as an independent contractor from 2019 to 2021, during which he studied the well-being of teenage Instagram users. In 2023, he testified before a U.S. Senate committee that Meta knew about harassment and other harms teen-facing teenagers on its platforms but failed to take action.Under cross-examination ‌from the company's ⁠lawyer Brian Stekloff, Bejar claimed that he was unaware of the harm his teenage daughter would experience when he helped her set up an Instagram account. Bejar added that his daughter wanted a space where women could discuss cars; however, she faced misogynistic comments, including about her breasts. She was just 16 in 2021 by the time her father emailed Zuckerberg highlighting safety.

US states, including California, Colorado, Kentucky and New Jersey, accused Meta of formulating the platforms to grab the attention of young users, fueling anxiety, depression and even suicide, as well as misleading consumers about their safety

A former engineering director at Meta Platforms (META.O) claimed on Wednesday (August 19) that CEO Mark Zuckerberg encouraged a culture that treated child safety as secondary to growth and engagement on Facebook and Instagram. The allegation has been made by Arturo Bejar, a vocal critic of Meta's ‌safety record during his second day of testimony in a landmark trial over claims that could reshape Facebook and Instagram, some of the most popular apps on the planet. US states, including California, Colorado, Kentucky and New Jersey, accused Meta of formulating the platforms to grab the attention of young users, fueling anxiety, depression and even suicide, as well as misleading consumers about their safety. Those states also accused the firm of violating federal law by improperly collecting and using personal data of children under 13. Experts indicated this trial as the most significant legal test yet to examine how social media impacts young users. Proceedings began on Tuesday in the Oakland, California, federal court with the case expected to last across six weeks. Jurors will deliver a non-binding advisory verdict, after which U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers will determine whether Meta bears liability and, if so, decide on any penalties and required changes to Facebook and Instagram. Also read: US tightens green card scrutiny: Indians in backlog face new ‘public charge’ test Zuckerberg's role in company decision-making The states' opening witness, Bejar, testified that Mark Zuckerberg was deeply involved in company decision-making, describing a top-down culture at the Menlo Park-based firm where product changes happened only with his direct approval. "If Mark makes something a priority, mountains move in months," Bejar said. He also pushed back against remarks Zuckerberg made in October 2021, made in response to claims from whistleblower Frances Haugen that Meta was aware its platforms posed risks to children, and knew how to fix them, yet chose profit over safety. Zuckerberg had maintained at the time that Meta regularly relied on research to enhance its products. Bejar countered this by revealing he had personally emailed Zuckerberg to raise safety concerns. "It's so false, every part of it," Bejar said. "You just cannot trust Mark Zuckerberg with kids." Bejar's tenure at Meta ran from 2009 to 2015, and he later returned as an independent contractor from 2019 to 2021, during which he studied the well-being of teenage Instagram users. In 2023, he testified before a U.S. Senate committee that Meta knew about harassment and other harms teen-facing teenagers on its platforms but failed to take action. Under cross-examination ‌from the company's ⁠lawyer Brian Stekloff, Bejar claimed that he was unaware of the harm his teenage daughter would experience when he helped her set up an Instagram account. Bejar added that his daughter wanted a space where women could discuss cars; however, she faced misogynistic comments, including about her breasts. She was just 16 in 2021 by the time her father emailed Zuckerberg highlighting safety.

US states, including California, Colorado, Kentucky and New Jersey, accused Meta of formulating the platforms to grab the attention of young users, fueling anxiety, depression and even suicide, as well as misleading consumers about their safety

'You just cannot trust Zuckerberg with kids': Ex-Meta director testifies in landmark trial, claims his own daughter faced abuse

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India tightens child safety rules: Meta agrees to report child sexual abuse cases

Meta reaches $16.7 bn deal with US states over teen safety, addictive design

'You just cannot trust Zuckerberg with kids': Ex-Meta director testifies