Meta, the parent company of Instagram, is facing renewed criticism after leaked internal documents revealed that the platform had identified significant risks to young users but allegedly failed to act sufficiently. The revelations have intensified demands for stricter oversight of social media platforms.
Internal Warnings Ignored?
According to reports, internal research at Meta highlighted concerns about Instagram's impact on teenage mental health, including issues like body image anxiety and exposure to harmful content. Despite these findings, critics argue the company prioritised growth over user safety.
Growing Regulatory Pressure
The UK government has signalled potential new laws to hold tech firms accountable for online harms. Campaigners are urging immediate action, citing the leaked documents as evidence of systemic failures in self-regulation.
Meta's Response
In a statement, Meta acknowledged the challenges but emphasised its investments in safety tools and parental controls. The company maintains it has made progress in protecting younger users while supporting ongoing industry-wide improvements.
