Messenger Kids

Facebook Messenger Kids
Developer(s) Facebook
Initial release December 4, 2017 (2017-12-04)
Operating system Android, iOS.
Type Instant messaging
License Freeware, proprietary
Website messengerkids.com

In December 2017, Facebook announced a new version of Facebook Messenger, Messenger Kids, designed for a young audience without phone numbers, allowing registration with first and last names only. It was initially launched for iPad tablets with the iOS operating system in the United States only, though later support for Android was added and it was rolled out in Canada, Peru, and Mexico.[1] Parents have oversight and control, with requirements about identity verification and approval of contacts. There are no in-app purchases nor advertisements, and thus also no data collection for advertising purposes, children's accounts are not visible in search on Facebook, and the child's account does not automatically migrate to a full Facebook account once the child turns 13 years old (the minimum age for Facebook registration). It features augmented reality filters and lenses, along with games and educational content.[2][3]

Criticism of Messenger Kids app

On December 4, 2017[4], Facebook announced "Messenger Kids", a new app for persons under 13 years of age. At its announcement, Facebook told the media that Messenger Kids was significantly different from the standard version, with no advertisements, in-app purchases or data collection, and with strict policies in place. Parents must specifically download the app onto their child's phone, log in with their account to verify their identity and create a unique Messenger Kids-account for their child. After doing so, parents have control over who their child talks to (with parents needing to approve new contacts). Additionally, Messenger Kids-accounts are not visible in search on Facebook; safety filters aim to proactively prevent children from sharing nudity, sexual content, or violence; and a dedicated, human support team works to tackle abuse complaints. The app was certified by the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA).[3] However, the app received significant criticism and concern, primarily due to it collecting the contents of messages and photos sent by minors,[5] as well as for trying to get people hooked into the Facebook experience at a very young age.[6] UK's Secretary of Health Jeremy Hunt publicly criticized the initiative, tweeting that the company should "stay away from my kids" and "Facebook told me they would come back with ideas to PREVENT underage use of their product, but instead they are actively targeting younger children".[7]

References

  1. ↑ Perez, Sarah (July 19, 2018). "Messenger Kids launches in Mexico". Techcrunch. Retrieved July 21, 2018.
  2. ↑ Nieva, Richard (December 4, 2017). "Facebook wants your child on its new Messenger Kids app". CNET. CBS Interactive. Retrieved December 10, 2017.
  3. 1 2 Constine, Josh (December 4, 2017). "Facebook 'Messenger Kids' lets under-13s chat with whom parents approve". TechCrunch. Oath Inc. Retrieved December 10, 2017.
  4. ↑ Cheng, Loren (December 4, 2017). "Introducing Messenger Kids, a New App For Families to Connect". Facebook. Facebook. Retrieved September 18, 2018.
  5. ↑ Tiku, Nitasha (December 5, 2017). "Facebook for 6-year-olds? Welcome to Messenger Kids". Wired. Condé Nast. Retrieved December 14, 2017.
  6. ↑ Naughton, John (December 10, 2017). "Data-hungry Facebook seeks younger recruits". The Guardian. Guardian Media Group. Retrieved December 14, 2017.
  7. ↑ Mason, Rowena (December 5, 2017). "Jeremy Hunt attacks Facebook over app aimed at children". The Guardian. Guardian Media Group. Retrieved December 14, 2017.
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