SAN FRANCISCO: Several safety features designed to protect young users on Instagram are failing, according to a new report by child-safety advocacy groups. The study, supported by researchers at Northeastern University, found that many tools promoted by Meta either do not function effectively or are missing entirely.
The findings come as governments and regulators increase pressure on tech companies to improve protections for children online. Out of 47 safety features tested, only eight worked as intended, while the rest were found to be flawed, outdated, or ineffective.
Researchers discovered that certain features, like filters meant to block harmful content, could be bypassed with minor changes in spelling. Anti-bullying message filters also failed in tests, despite Meta’s claims of their effectiveness. However, some tools, such as “quiet mode” and parental approval for account changes, did perform as expected.
The report, titled “Teen Accounts, Broken Promises,” reviewed over a decade of Meta’s youth safety announcements on Instagram. Advocacy groups behind the report include the UK-based Molly Rose Foundation and US-based Parents for Safe Online Spaces, both founded by parents who lost children to online harm.
Meta disputed the report, calling it “misleading” and stating that its tools reduce harmful content exposure for teens. Andy Stone, a Meta spokesperson, argued that many of the claims misrepresented the company’s efforts, stressing that improvements continue.
Whistle-blower Arturo Bejar, a former Meta executive, contributed insights showing that promising safety ideas were often weakened during development. Reuters also confirmed some of the report’s findings by testing banned search terms on Instagram, revealing that small variations still exposed harmful material.
Meanwhile, US lawmakers are investigating Meta over broader child-safety concerns. Despite criticism, Meta says it remains committed to strengthening protections and expanding teen-focused features across platforms.
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