“Don’t ask. Don’t tell.” This is allegedly the foundation of Meta, a technology company connected to Instagram and Facebook, when considering the policy that protects companies from collecting data from children under 13. Instagram restricts children under 13 from creating accounts on their platform. However, according to a former Meta engineer, Arturo Béjar, tens of thousands of young children reside on the platform with Instagram’s knowledge. Thus, potentially leading to the collection of personal information and data from children under 13. 

What the law says about the State of California, et al. v. Meta Platforms, Inc. Case? 

According to The Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act, COPPA, companies are restricted from obtaining, applying and disclosing personal information of children under 13. In general, Instagram is not designed specifically for children. Therefore, the COPPA law is applied following company knowledge of such data collection, according to the US Federal Trade Commission. Once a company is aware that a child under the age of 13 is present on the site, they are required to adhere to COPPA’s regulations. 

How does “don’t ask, don’t tell” affect parents?

Social media is a leading source of entertainment and connection for people of various ages. To add, Instagram is one of the highest leading sources in the social media industry. The allegations that Arturo Béjar is bringing forward poses the question of if Meta wins the case without further investigations, would other companies be able to follow the same “don’t ask, don’t tell,” policy? 

If there is evidence to support Arturo Béjar’s claims, the results of this case may change social media forever. For example, stricter policies may be implemented to ensure the required age limit is met while also ensuring children’s data is protected. These allegations stem from companies following the bare minimum safety standards with measures to create a false sense of security for parents. So, how can parents ensure companies follow the highest safety standards that their loved ones deserve? 

Why should parents Look 1st? 

For Look 1st, our mission is to ensure quality safety measures are in place to provide parents with a blanket of relief through our esteemed Safety Signal Systems. The Safety Signal Systems are designed to detect any potential risks of harm to loved ones through prevention and reporting methodologies. Through the Look 1st website, parents can check a company’s safety standards before committing to an organization. This allows parents to identify whether an organization has devoted itself to safety and accountability before committing. 

References

Open Bureau. “Did Instagram Look Away From Kids Under 13? Meta’s Landmark Child-Safety Trial Explained.” Open Magazine, Open Magazine, 20 Aug. 2026, https://openthemagazine.com/world/did-instagram-look-away-from-kids-under-13-metas-landmark-child-safety-trial-explained

Federal Trade Commission. “Children’s Online Privacy Protection Rule (“COPPA”).” Federal Trade Commision, Federal Trade Commission, 2026, https://www.ftc.gov/legal-library/browse/rules/childrens-online-privacy-protection-rule-coppa