Palo Alto, CA – Though Facebook bans children under 13, millions of them have profiles on the site by lying about their age.
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Now, the company is testing out ways to allow younger kids on its site without needing to lie. It would be under parental supervision, such as by connecting children’s accounts to their parents’ accounts. That would allow Facebook to comply with federal regulations regarding children under 13 online.
The Wall Street Journal reported on the development in Monday’s editions. It could be a long way off, or never get implemented, as happens with many features that Facebook tests.
In a statement, Facebook says it is in ongoing dialogue with stakeholders, regulators and other policymakers about how best to help parents keep their kids safe online.
They should develop a version of facebook for the frum community. There is a tremendous built up demand for “frum friendly” social media as evidenced by the turnout at the asifa last week. They should have no problem finding a few tech savy rabbonim to serve on an advisory board and a few kollel yungerleit who would moderate the postings to assure they were tziiniusdik. This could be the prototype for other versions of FB that would be responsive to the specialized needs of ethnic minorities.
For sure this is extremely dangerous and should never be allowed.