Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has announced plans to introduce a safety mechanism later this year aimed at preventing minors from sending or receiving explicit photos, even in encrypted chats. The tool may also be extended to adults on the platforms, with its usage likely being optional, according to BBC reports.
This decision follows criticism from government and law enforcement regarding Meta's default encryption of Messenger conversations. Critics argue that this encryption could impede Meta's ability to identify instances of child abuse.
Meta emphasizes that the new safety function is exclusively designed to protect users, particularly those under 13, who are prohibited from using the platforms.
The focus is on shielding vulnerable demographics, especially women and teenagers, from the potential coercion of sharing explicit content.
In addition, Meta disclosed that messages from strangers on Instagram and Messenger would not be accessible to children by default. Recent claims by police chiefs suggested that minors sharing inappropriate images contributed to the increase in child sexual offenses in England and Wales.
As part of an ongoing US lawsuit against Meta, court records allege evidence of daily online sexual harassment affecting 100,000 underage Facebook and Instagram users. Meta contends that its efforts have been misrepresented in the case.
Despite the controversies, Meta introduced a new feature aimed at shielding minors from offensive content in their communications. Further details about the functionality of this system in encrypted chats are expected to be revealed later this year.
The decision by Meta to implement end-to-end encryption (e2ee) as the default security measure for Facebook Messenger discussions has faced strong opposition from government, law enforcement, and prominent children's organizations.
Critics argue that e2ee, limiting communication visibility to sender and recipient, could impede Meta's ability to identify and report content involving child abuse. Other messaging apps such as Apple's iMessage, Signal, and Meta-owned WhatsApp, staunchly defend the use of e2ee technology."
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