Meta introduces new Instagram AI safety features for minors as Canada advances online safety legislation

Meta has announced new safety features for minors using its Instagram AI chatbot, introducing parental alerts for conversations involving self-harm or suicide. The update comes as the Canadian government moves forward with proposed online safety legislation aimed at strengthening protections for young users.

According to Meta, the new features became available Thursday in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia. If a minor discusses self-harm or suicide while interacting with Instagram AI, parents who have enabled the platform's Parental Supervision tools will receive an immediate notification. The company said the system was developed in consultation with mental health experts.

The update also gives parents greater control over their children's interactions with Meta AI. Through the parental supervision settings, they can determine what types of conversations are permitted and can restrict or disable access to the AI chatbot if they choose.

The announcement comes as Canada considers the proposed Safe Social Media Act, introduced in June, which would prohibit children under the age of 16 from accessing social media platforms. According to the proposed legislation, AI chatbots would not be subject to an age restriction, although AI companies would be required to implement safety protocols designed to protect users.