Recent updates: US says it is investigating what Instagram is following for younger users

The dual union of senior US lawyers is investigating how Facebook looks at young people on its Instagram photo sharing program and the harm it can bring.

At least nine countries are monitoring whether Facebook violated consumer protection laws and “putting people at risk” by promoting Instagram to children and adolescents, “although they are aware that such use is linked to physical and emotional harm,” according to Maura Healey. , Massachusetts attorney general.

This research focuses on the methods used by Facebook – which recently modified his parent company Meta – improving the frequency and duration of teens using the app.

“Today I am leading a global partnership to ensure that the company deals with young users, recognizes any shortcomings, and effectively addresses these issues,” Healey said in a statement. All other lawyers involved are California, Florida, Kentucky, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, Tennessee and Vermont.

The inquiry comes in the wake of a report by the Wall Street Journal, based on documents downloaded by Facebook journalist Frances Haugen, which revealed that the company’s internal investigation found that Instagram had disrupted the health of young people – which the company refused to publicly acknowledge. .

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