Meta has announced further limits to how advertisers can target teenagers on Facebook and Instagram with adverts, with only age and location now available as targeting options.
Starting next month, gender will be removed as a targetable category for advertisers to reach teenage users. Previously, advertisers had been able to target youngsters based on their interests and activities, as well.
Meta also said that teenage user engagement on its apps — such as following certain Instagram accounts or Facebook pages — will not inform the type of ads they see.
Age and location remain as the only filters as it helps Meta “ensure teens see ads that are meant for their age and products and services available where they live.”
Meta also said that in March, it will give teens more ways to control the type of ads they see with Ad Topic Controls. Teens will be able to go to Ad Preferences within Settings on both apps, and choose “See Less” or “No Preference” to further control the types of ads they see.
Meta’s Advertising Standards already prohibit ads about restricted topics such as alcohol, financial products, and weight loss products.
