Dennis J.
Meta created Horizon Worlds which is a free virtual reality app. In this app, users can socialize, play games, and join various events!
For US and Canadian residents who are at least 18 years old, Horizon Worlds is accessible. In other words, there is an age limit for reaching Horizon Worlds, but Meta wants to eliminate the restriction. The company tries to make Horizon Worlds available for people who are under 18 years old.
Safety and advocacy groups do not support the elimination plan of Meta for Horizon Worlds. The groups tried to reach Mark Zuckerberg, the CEO of Meta, for the drop of the plan. They think that letting children access the app is not appropriate.
On April 14, online safety organizations and professionals penned a letter to Zuckerberg urging the company to abandon its intentions to encourage young individuals to use the metaverse app. Airplay, Center for Countering Digital Hate, and Common Sense Media signed the open letter.
The campaigners said that Meta first detect the possible hazards in Horizon Worlds for young people because the people will likely encounter harassment and violation of privacy on the app.
Meta Promised To Protect Teenagers In Horizon Worlds
According to Meta’s spokesperson Joe Osborne, the company will add safeguards and tools into Horizon Worlds to ensure that the experiences are suitable for teenagers’ age range. Also, the company suggests parental control measures, such as controlling app access, to ensure the children have safe experiences online.
