Meta is looking to force app stores to obtain parental approval when children under 16 download apps.
The proposal would make app stores responsible for implementing parental controls rather than social media companies.Â
The Facebook and Instagram parent has faced criticism for handling teens on its platforms.
Antigone Davis, Meta’s global head of safety, said: “Parents should approve their teen’s app downloads, and we support federal legislation that requires app stores to get parents’ approval whenever their teens under 16 download apps.
“With this solution, when a teen wants to download an app, app stores would be required to notify their parents, much like when parents are notified if their teen attempts to make a purchase.
“Parents can decide if they want to approve the download… they can also verify the age of their teen when setting up their phone, negating the need for everyone to verify their age multiple times across multiple apps.”
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The former Meta employee, who shared his concerns with the US Congress, highlighted instances of sexual advances toward his 14-year-old daughter on Instagram.
Meta has faced increased scrutiny, prompting the company to introduce “over 30 tools” to enhance online safety.Â
In March, Utah passed laws requiring parental consent for social media use by children.
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Meta is now calling for a national law.
Social media companies are facing increased regulatory challenges globally.
In the European Union, Meta has introduced a subscription fee to navigate stringent data privacy laws.
