MPA Orders Meta to Stop Using PG-13 Ratings for Instagram Teen Content

Meta has been instructed by the Motion Picture Association (MPA) to stop using the ‘PG-13’ rating for content moderation on Instagram, following the company’s announcement in October that it would restrict teen accounts to content adhering to PG-13 movie standards. The MPA, which is responsible for the well-known film rating system, criticized Meta for misleading the public, claiming that their automated content moderation does not follow the same processes as the MPA’s system, which involves parents evaluating films. The MPA’s cease-and-desist letter expressed concern that Meta’s use of the rating could harm the credibility of the MPA’s system. Meta argued that its decision to align Instagram’s teen content with PG-13 guidelines was in response to feedback from parents who wanted more transparency about what their children are exposed to. Despite the MPA’s demands, Meta’s messaging on Instagram still reflects the PG-13 approach as of November 6th. The company has stated its intention to work with the MPA to better inform parents about teen content on the platform.