Former Meta engineer says Instagram took a “don’t ask, don’t tell” approach to children under 13 - AP News
They publishedFormer Meta engineer says Instagram took a ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’ approach on kids under 13 - AP News
First reportReuters · 19 Aug, 11:00Z
Latest reportAP News · 19 Aug, 19:23Z
Span8 hours · two reports
Base — every candidate starts here5
Public-interest topic (politics, world, science, health…)+1
Public-interest terms in the text (courts, tariffs, ceasefire…)+1.25
High-reliability source boost+0.75
Corroboration — more independent outlets, more weight+0.8
Significance8.8
Deterministic and identical for every story — no engagement signals, no personalization of the score.
Why it matters
What
A former Meta engineer testified that Instagram took a “don’t ask, don’t tell” approach to users under 13.
Why
States allege Meta prioritized engagement and collected youth data without parental consent, while Meta denies the claims and cites its safety efforts.
Watch
The trial involving California, Colorado, Kentucky and New Jersey could last about six weeks.
Where the coverage comes from
Perspective mix: 2 center.
Coverage blindspot. no right-leaning outlet is covering this cluster; no left-leaning outlet is covering this cluster — worth knowing before deciding what to make of this story.
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How it unfolded — every article
Summary
- A former Meta engineer testified that the company used a 'don’t ask, don’t tell' approach toward users under 13.
- He said profit focus outweighed safety, prioritizing user engagement metrics over mental well-being.
- The trial, against California, Colorado, Kentucky and New Jersey, could last about six weeks.
- Plaintiffs allege Meta designs features to addict youth and collects data without parental consent.
- Meta denies the claims, arguing it commits to safety and works with teens and parents.