Facebook to block teens from using apps at night, impose two-hour daily limit in US
Facebook the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has agreed to introduce new restrictions for users under 18 in the US.
The agreement follows claims by the states that Meta’s platforms contributed to addictive social media use among young people.
Under the agreement, teenagers will be subject to a combined two-hour daily limit on Facebook and Instagram. Meta said its system will account for users who operate multiple accounts, while parents will be able to grant additional access.
The platforms will also introduce a night-time block from midnight to 6 am. Push notifications will be muted by default during school hours, from 8 am to 3 pm, except for direct messages and account security alerts.
Private messages will not be affected by the daytime, night-time or school restrictions.
Users under 18 will also be allowed to opt out of algorithmic feeds and automatic content playback. The platforms will display reminders after 15, 60 and 90 minutes of continuous use, while like and reaction counts will be hidden by default for teenagers.
Meta is also expected to strengthen its age-verification measures and delete accounts belonging to children under 13.
Most of the obligations under the agreement will remain in force for 10 years, while the daytime and night-time restrictions will apply for five years.
An independent auditor will assess Meta’s compliance with the agreement annually and submit reports to the states.
The company is expected to begin implementing the new measures within six months.
