Facebook is brewing a child friendly version of its platform
where children younger than 13 can legally create a Facebook profile. Facebook
will now reach a broad group of new (legal) users, increasing its already dwindling
revenue but now there is speculation on its privacy concerns for children.
"I don't have any notifications"
Facebook currently bans kids under the age of 13 to make
profiles, but children have been making them illegally (with the help of their
parents at times). Facebook for kids will allow parents to link their accounts
to their kid's profile where the parents can control who their children add as
"friends" and what applications and games their children are running. Kiddie-friendly
Facebook will allow parents to be able to charge games and other entertainment
to their parents accounts, according to the Wall
Street Journal.
Facebook has a number of illegal under-13 users due to how
difficult it is to enforce age restrictions on the web. Consumer Reports said
that in 2011 7.5 million under-13 year olds were on Facebook and over 5 million
under-10 year olds. Having an under 13-year old Facebook is a touchy subject
especially after cyberbullying cases have rocked our nation. We must also take into consideration child
predators and "trolling.
"
If Facebook does create a child friendly version of
Facebook, it hopes to bring in new revenue with games and apps. Facebook partner,
Zynga, Inc. who makes games such as Farmville and Cityville is hoping to be an instant hit for the kiddies on Facebook. Mark
Zuckerburg, CEO of Facebook, has commented that children under 13 should be
allowed to use Facebook, and it seems like he's ready to take on that fight.
Facebook is now waiting on a pending review by the Federal
Trade Commission of Implementation of the Children's Online Privacy Act of
1998, which monitors what personal information websites can obtain from
children. Results from this review should be out in a couple of months, where
we'll see if this kid friendly Facebook will progress.
How do you feel about the under-13 year old Facebook? Would
you allow your children to partake in it and allow them to have access to your
accounts to buy games and other entertainment? Please share your thoughts
below.