Nick Clegg highlights parental control issues on Facebook and Instagram

Nick Clegg, Meta's global affairs chief, highlighted a significant issue regarding parental controls on Facebook and Instagram, noting that many parents do not utilize the 50 child safety tools available. He emphasized a behavioral problem, stating that despite the company's efforts to provide options for limiting children's online time, these tools are largely ignored. This lack of engagement comes amid increasing regulatory pressure on tech companies to enhance child safety, particularly following tragic incidents linked to harmful content on social media. The Australian government has proposed measures to restrict social media access for younger teenagers, reflecting a growing concern over children's safety online. Clegg acknowledged that while Meta's platforms generally offer a positive experience for most young users, there are serious criticisms regarding the company's prioritization of profit over safety. This was underscored by testimonies from whistleblower Frances Haugen and the inquest into the death of Molly Russell, which raised alarms about the impact of harmful content. In response to these challenges, the UK has introduced the Online Safety Act, mandating social media companies to protect children from harmful material. Clegg's comments also touched on the broader implications of social media governance, particularly in light of recent controversies surrounding other platforms like X and Telegram, which have been criticized for allowing extremist figures to proliferate online. The call for accountability in safeguarding children remains urgent as governments seek to implement stricter regulations.