Instagram head pressed on lengthy delay to launch teen safety features, like a nudity filter, court filing reveals | TechCrunch

TechCrunch

by Sarah Perez

February 24, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Instagram faced significant criticism over its delayed implementation of teen safety features, as revealed in court documents. The platform was aware of concerns regarding explicit content in private messages (DMs) as early as 2018 but did not introduce a nudity filter until 2024. This delay is under scrutiny in ongoing lawsuits that allege social media companies prioritize user engagement over未成年人 protection. Adam Mosseri, head of Instagram, acknowledged during deposition that the company knew DMs posed risks to teens, including exposure to explicit images and harmful content. Despite this awareness, Mosseri argued that privacy concerns and safety efforts were balanced, though critics argue the delay was indefensible. The lawsuit highlights how Meta’s focus on growth and user retention may have overshadowed addressing these issues. The case is part of broader legal actions against major tech companies like Meta, Snap, TikTok, and YouTube. Plaintiffs claim platforms are designed to maximize screen time, contributing to teen harm through addiction and exploitation. These lawsuits aim to hold companies accountable for prioritizing growth over safety. Mosseri also faced questions about internal communications, including a 2017 email suggesting efforts to identify "addicted" users, underscoring concerns about platform design intent. While Meta defends its decades-long commitment to teen safety through features like Teen Accounts and parental controls, critics argue more must be done to address known risks. This issue matters as public concern grows over social media’s impact on minors. Laws restricting teen use are proliferating, signaling a shift toward greater regulation. The outcome of these lawsuits could set precedents for tech accountability and safer digital spaces for young users.

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Originally published on TechCrunch on 2/24/2026