Instagram will start asking users about their birthdays more often: Here’s why

Facebook-owned image-sharing platform said on Monday that Instagram will begin requiring users to confirm their birthdays as part of an effort to build new security features for youth. instagram has explored creating a version of its app for children under the age of 13, prompting lawmakers to urge Facebook As for the plans to drop, the social media company says it “has a clear record of failing to protect children on its platforms.” Instagram said in a blog post that it will use the information “to ensure we provide the right experience to the right age group.”

Last month, the company said it would default users under the age of 16 to a private account when they join the platform. The app said it would ask users about their birthday when they open Instagram and then to show several pop-up notifications if the user did not enter their birthday. Instagram said that at some point, users will have to submit their date of birth to continue using the app. Instagram said this information allows it to create new safety features for young people, and helps ensure Instagram delivers the right experience to the right age group. Instagram said that most people on Instagram have birthdays, but to get a more complete picture it is introducing two new changes.