Instagram for kids? Dozens of US Attorneys General urge Facebook to scrap app plans

The AGs who sent the letter to Facebook on May 10 said that contrary to Zuckerberg’s statements, solid data and research have shown a link between young people’s use of social media and an increase in mental distress, self-injurious behaviour and suicidality. In addition, they charged that Instagram has been frequently flagged for increasing suicidal ideation, depression and body-image concerns in children. — Dreamtime/TNS

LOS ANGELES: Facebook’s plans to build a version of Instagram aimed at preteen kids is in the political crosshairs of more than 40 US state attorneys general – who are asking Mark Zuckerberg to mothball the idea.

“It appears that Facebook is not responding to a need, but instead creating one, as this platform appeals primarily to children who otherwise do not or would not have an Instagram account,” according to an open letter signed by attorneys general from 44 US states and territories, addressed to Facebook CEO Zuckerberg.