Here’s Why US Senators Don’t Want Teens to Access Facebook’s Metaverse

• Two United States senators have asked Mark Zuckerberg, the CEO of Facebook’s parent company Meta Platforms Inc., to cease plans to release its Horizon Worlds metaverse app to teenagers.
• The senators cited Meta’s record of flawed social media platforms for children that have failed to protect them from inappropriate content.
• They have now asked Zuckerberg to halt such plans immediately as the release could contain the same flaws as their Instagram and Messenger apps for kids.

Meta Asked To Stop Horizon Plans For Teenagers

The senators sent a letter to the CEO, insisting that Meta stop the plans immediately. Horizon is a metaverse application that gives users access to virtual worlds and avatars. Launched last December, the platform aims to attract 500,000 monthly active users in the first half of 2023. As of January, Horizon had just over 200,000 monthly active users aged 18 and above. To attain the set goal, Meta decided in February to open Horizon to teenagers aged 13-17 later this month.

Potential Threats Faced By Teenagers In The Metaverse

Senators Markey and Blumenthal believe such a decision comes with risks of exposing teenagers to inappropriate content. To substantiate their claims, they cited Meta’s inability in protecting their young-aged target audience from inappropriate content. They expressed concerns about potential issues like cyberbullying or exposure of teens on platforms where predatory adults can reach out or attempt contact with minors.

Horizon’s Actions In Response To The Concerns

In response, Facebook claims it has taken steps that would prevent these issues from occurring if teens were allowed on the platform. Some security measures include requiring parents’ permission before access is granted; monitoring conversations; and implementing a “zero tolerance policy” for anyone who attempts contact with minors via messaging or video calls.

Meta Still Planning On Allowing Teens On Platform
Despite these steps being taken by Facebook/Meta Platforms Inc., there has been no confirmation whether they would suspend their plan on allowing access for minors on Horizon Worlds metaverse app this month or not. It is currently unclear how Facebook will respond but more updates will be released regarding this matter soon.

< h2 >Conclusion
Overall, US senators are asking Mark Zuckerberg and his team at Facebook/Meta Platforms Inc.,to cease their plans on releasing Horizon Worlds metaverse app as they fear potential threats posed against teens due flaws seen in similar social media platforms like Instagram and Messenger Kids before it . It remains unclear what action Facebook will take regarding this matter but we will keep you updated with any developments that arise soon!