'Instagram Kids' on hold after widespread criticism

Facebook is pausing the 'Instagram Kids' app which they were supposedly working on, after wide criticism of public and media, this move comes after WSJ published its report few weeks ago which created a big concern among the elders, and it was clearly visible that people were in rage.

Pictures credit: Instagram

Instagram chief Adam Mosseri announced the news in a blog post today, saying that the Facebook-owned company would continue to work on parental-supervised experiences for younger users 

In a blog post and series of accompanying tweets, Mosseri blamed the media and critics for misunderstanding the purpose of the app.

 “It was never meant for younger kids, but for tweens (aged 10-12),” he writes. 

In a separate tweet, he adds that news of the project “leaked way before we knew what it would be. People feared the worst, and we had few answers at that stage. It’s clear we need to take more time on this.”

Screengrab of his tweets

In his blog post, Mosseri notes that the WSJ’s reporting “raised a lot of questions for people,” and says such criticism has led Instagram to introducing a number of anti-bullying features, as well as “exploring” features that might encourage readers to take a break from the app. (Parts of the WSJ’s reporting that Instagram and Mosseri have ignored include the company’s own researchers noting that users often feel “addicted” to the app.)

Facebook is putting 'Instagram Kids' in the cold storage after widespread criticism.

Mosseri notes on Twitter that critics will see Instagram pausing development of the kids app “as a concession that the project is a bad idea.” He’s adamant this is incorrect, adding: “I have to believe parents would prefer the option for their children to use an age-appropriate version of Instagram - that gives them oversight - than the alternative. But I’m not here to downplay their concerns, we have to get this right.”