Stay away from my kids, Hunt tells Facebook

JEREMY HUNT has warned Facebook to “stay away from my kids” after hitting out at the social media company for releasing an app for children as young as six.

The Health Secretary said the company had reneged on promises to prevent underage use of its product and instead had “targeted younger children” with its latest launch.

The “Messenger Kids” app allows children aged six to 12 to send pictures and texts and video chat, in the same way as can be done on Facebook’s main messaging platform. The website itself is supposed to be restricted to those over the age of 13, though it has been criticised for the ease at which younger children can gain access.

Facebook said the new app had strict controls on its use, requiring parents to set up an account for their child, with all contacts added and approved by parents from their main Facebook account. Children are also not exposed to advertisements. However, psychologists raised fears that the messaging service would get young children hooked on social media, and questioned why they were being targeted.

It was launched in the US on Monday and is expected to roll out in the UK and other countries if it is successful.

The social network said it had consulted with parents and experts, but Mr Hunt accused the tech giant of failing to act responsibly. “Not sure this is the right direction at all,” he tweeted. “Facebook told me they would come back with ideas to PREVENT under age use of their product, but instead they are actively targeting younger children. Stay away from my kids please Facebook and act responsibly!”

It comes just weeks after Mr Hunt held talks with Facebook, Twitter and other social media giants to discuss how to “turn the tide” on damage caused by overexposure to the internet.

Facebook said the new app was in line with child online safety and privacy laws in the US.