From the Gallery

Hold social media platforms responsible for online safety

Tech firms cannot pretend that the technologies they create have no say in who we become. A combination of laws, codes, user reporting, education and parental guidance is needed to keep users safe.

Laws, codes, user reporting, education and parental guidance ensure our rules and practices keep up with evolving communication platforms. PHOTO: ST FILE
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My daughter, who is of primary school age, has created multiple Instagram accounts to keep me out of her social media network. I worry about who follows her online, and if she might accidentally give out personal details.

To my knowledge, no age checks were done on her even though, firstly, under-13s are not allowed on the platform; and secondly, Instagram parent Meta has additional safeguards for the accounts of those under the age of 18.

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