Instagram still allowing parents to sell exclusive content of children
Despite Meta's commitment three months ago to prohibit the sale of children's content on Instagram, parents continue to monetize such material. The ABC has identified nearly 50 Instagram accounts that offer paid access to exclusive photos and videos featuring kids, some of which is sexualized. This includes several Australian accounts. In May, during an ABC Four Corners investigation, Meta had stated it no longer permitted fans to subscribe to the Instagram accounts of anyone under 18.
Meta struggles to enforce underage content policy
Despite its policy, Meta seems to struggle with effectively enforcing the ban on underage content. Subscribers can still access live videos of children modeling clothes or applying makeup. Additionally, they can contribute more money by purchasing virtual "gifts" and "badges." While some accounts innocently showcase children's gymnastics and dance talents, others appear to actively promote them in a sexual manner.
Concerns over inappropriate content and audience
One account, featuring a 13-year-old model, encourages subscribers to rate her tight-fitting outfits and bikinis. The account holder alone can see who are the subscribers, but many followers of underage girls appear to be adult males. After ABC alerted Meta about these accounts offering subscriptions, the company disabled those functions. However, within a day, ABC and child safety advocates found 50 child accounts accepting paid subscribers by following Instagram's algorithm suggestions.
Child safety advocate expresses concern over Meta's control
Online child safety advocate Sarah Adams, also known as Mom. Uncharted, voiced her concerns about Meta's control over child accounts. Adams stated that if it was easy to find 50 such accounts, there could potentially be hundreds or even thousands more. This raises serious questions about the effectiveness of Meta's policies and its ability to protect underage users on its platform.
Mothers continue to monetize children's content on Instagram
One American account, run by a mother, charges over $20 a month for access to photos and videos of a girl believed to be 14. The mother had earlier been banned by another social media platform for selling sexualized photos of her daughter. Yet, she continues to post similar content on Instagram. Another US mother charges more than $10 per month for exclusive content featuring her pre-teen daughter, despite having blocked some subscribers due to inappropriate comments.
Child images risk ending up in unsafe spaces
The Four Corners investigation revealed that images of children available on social media platforms, could end up on encrypted chat channels. In these spaces, obsessed fans have been found making explicit comments about the girls and discussing violent rape fantasies. This discovery underscores the potential dangers and misuse associated with sharing children's images on social media platforms like Instagram.
