Meta Quest: Kids will be allowed to chat on the virtual service

Facebook and Metaverse platform owner Meta have announced something new for the company’s virtual reality (VR) environment. In short, Users between the ages of 10 and 12 will be able to chat with other people On the company’s digital platforms such as Horizon apps and games.

The update, which is not yet available, will require parents or guardians to Approve each person added by the child profile individuallyOnly after approval will the teen be able to make calls, chat via text or participate in shared experiences using the Meta Quest family headset.

For now, the minimum age to create an account on the Meta Quest title is 10 years, and the profile has practically full control by an adult, in addition to only recommending age-appropriate content.

Only someone the user already follows can be an approved contact. Additionally, if two teenagers want to talk or play together, both parents must approve the communication.

Meta and VR

Meta recently relaxed the company’s headset age, and with that expansion, the company has become the target of new concerns. Authorities in the US and European Union are already investigating the harmful effects of major digital platforms, including those using VR, on children.

In addition to new policies of only chatting with the approval of a responsible adult, the company has had a “virtual distancing” function to prevent harassment in the digital environment since 2022.

Currently, the company’s main access device for these platforms is the Meta Quest 3. Launched at the end of 2023, the headset is among the current references in this segment, especially due to its much more affordable price compared to its rival, the Apple Vision Pro.