Louise Bernard with Alexis Patri 10:49 a.m., September 28, 2021, modified at 10:49 a.m., September 28, 2021

Faced with criticism and concerns, Facebook is putting aside its Instagram project for those under 13.

The social network is indeed, in theory, prohibited before this age.

A public announcement made by Facebook, owner of the photo sharing application, at a time far from trivial for the company.

No Instagram version for children under 13.

At least for now.

The social network prefers to leave time and Facebook, owner of Instagram, is putting its project on hold.

The social network is giving itself time to "work with parents, experts and policy makers to demonstrate the value and necessity of this product," according to Instagram manager Adam Mosseri.

Concerns and criticism were very strong as soon as the project was announced last spring.  

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Facebook heard by the US Senate

But the moment chosen to announce this break is not trivial.

The group will indeed be heard on Thursday in the US Senate, following the opening of a parliamentary inquiry.

Two weeks ago, the

Wall Street Journal

revealed the existence of a very controversial internal Facebook study.

This study shows the negative impact of Instagram on the morale of teenagers: one in five says that the social network damages their self-esteem.

And the most affected seem to be young women.

Facebook will therefore have to explain itself to the Senators for its inaction following this internal study.