Instagram to show less ‘sensitive content’ to under-16s

News in brief

Instagram has updated its Sensitive Content Control policy to show under-16s less content the platform deems “potentially sensitive”.

The update now creates two options for teens to interact with sensitive content: “Standard” and “Less”.

New Instagram users under the age of 16 will be defaulted into the “Less” category while existing users will be sent a prompt encouraging them to do so.

The change comes following heavy criticism that the social media platform is harmful to teens following disclosures made by Facebook whistleblower Francis Haugen.

Earlier this year, US senators introduced the Kids Online Safety Act with the goal of forcing social media companies to take action to protect teens from harmful content.