TargetFacebook Parent Company, lowers the minimum age for using its VR headsets from 13 to 10, despite pressure from lawmakers not to target younger users. In a statement released on Friday (16), the company announced that parents will be able to create accounts for children aged 10 and over on the Quest 2 and Quest 3 headsets later this year.

However, creating accounts for minors will require parental permission, who will also be responsible for authorizing apps to download to devices. Meta said that, taking into account the age of children, it will offer an appropriate experience for each age group, recommending suitable applications. According to the company, the platform offers a wide range of apps, games and other content, most of which are aimed at ages 10 and up.

This move to lower the minimum age comes at a time when Meta and other social media companies are facing increased scrutiny of their impact on younger users, including concerns about teen mental health and exposure to harmful content.

Parents and politicians have expressed particular concern about the use of virtual reality, as well as the so-called “Metaverse”, a future version of the Meta Internet, by teenagers and children.

Debate with American politicians

Earlier this year, two Democratic senators called on Meta to put a hold on its plan to make Horizon Worlds, its flagship virtual reality app, available to teens aged 13 to 17. Senators argued that this technology could harm the physical and mental health of young users. They called Meta’s plan “unacceptable,” citing the company’s failure to adequately protect children and teenagers. The appeal was made in a letter sent to CEO Mark Zuckerberg.

Despite these requests, Meta moved forward and allowed teens as young as 13 in the US and Canada to use Horizon Worlds in April, prompting further criticism from lawmakers and civil society groups.

In the past year, parents have reported cases where they found their children exposed to violent and disturbing content in virtual reality, raising concerns about the children’s safety.

In response to parents’ concerns, Meta announced in a Friday statement that guardians will be able to set time limits and enforce breaks for teens using headsets. Additionally, accounts for users under the age of 13 will be set to private and activity status hidden in apps by default, unless parents choose to change these settings. Meta also provides the ability to stream content from VR headsets to a TV or phone screen, allowing parents to keep an eye on what their children are viewing.

These measures address some of the concerns raised by parents and legislators regarding the use of virtual reality headsets by children and teens. Meta hopes to ensure the safety and relevance of the experience offered to young users on its platform.

Mundo Conectado Deal Center: Selection of Discounts and Lowest Prices
Best deals on electronics, cell phones, TVs, soundbars, drones and more

Source: Meta

…..