Meta has introduced new safety features on Instagram aimed at protecting minors, including the ability for teens to view account information of those messaging them and a simplified one-tap option to block and report accounts.

In addition to these features, Meta has removed over 10 million fake profiles impersonating creators and linked 500,000 accounts to inappropriate interactions with minors, part of its ongoing crackdown on harmful content.

These safety measures are a response to increasing scrutiny over social media's impact on youth mental health and concerns about predatory behavior, with critics questioning whether they are sufficient.

Meta's efforts include testing AI to verify user ages on Instagram, aiming to prevent underage access and misrepresentation, and extending protections to adult accounts sharing content related to children.

The company has also activated a nudity protection feature by default for teen accounts, which has a 99% activation rate, significantly reducing exposure to explicit images.

Meta collaborates with other tech firms through the Tech Coalition's Lantern program to share information and combat child exploitation across platforms.

Despite these initiatives, child safety advocates remain skeptical about whether these measures are enough, citing ongoing risks and the need for more comprehensive solutions.

The reintroduction of the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA) in Congress, which aims to impose a 'duty of care' on social media platforms, has intensified the debate over online child safety and Meta's lobbying efforts against the legislation.

Lawmakers and regulators, including the U.S. Surgeon General, continue to warn about the mental health risks associated with social media use among adolescents, prompting Meta and others to enhance safety protocols.

Public protests and advocacy efforts, such as those outside Meta’s NYC headquarters, underscore the ongoing demand for accountability and stronger protections for children online.

Meanwhile, U.S. automakers have voiced concerns over President Trump’s 15% tariff on Japanese vehicles, arguing it creates an uneven playing field and hampers their competitiveness.

Despite these safety efforts, experts and advocacy groups question whether Meta's measures will be enough to address the complex challenges of online safety and restore public trust.