The head of Instagram, who has been criticized for developing apps for posting videos such as videos for children, testified for the first time at a hearing in the US Congress, claiming that he is also focusing on youth safety measures.
However, there were a number of opinions from Congress that the measures were not sufficient and that the development of apps for children should be stopped altogether.
Meta, a major American IT company that changed its name from Facebook, said in a survey conducted by itself that children under the age of 13 know that Instagram, a photo and video posting app, has a negative effect on children's mental health. It has been criticized for being developing an app for Instagram Kids, and the development has been temporarily suspended.
In response, the US Senate committee held a hearing on the 8th, attended by Instagram director Adam Mosselli for the first time.
In this, Mr. Mosseri argued that he is also focusing on measures such as introducing a new function that allows parents to limit the usage time of children's apps, but from the lawmakers, it is up to the parents' judgment. There were many opinions that the app can be used for a long time and the countermeasures are not enough.
When asked if he intends to stop developing apps for children altogether, Mosselli repeatedly said it was a temporary suspension.
More than 10 states, including California, have begun investigating whether it would be a violation of the Consumer Protection Act to proceed with development while understanding the adverse effects on children on this issue. It is unclear whether we can resume the development of kids.