Messenger Kids | Solutional Webdesign Antwerpen

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Messenger Kids is a child-friendly messaging application, developed and launched by Meta Platforms^[2] in December 2017. Initially available on iPad, it was later rolled out for iPhone^[3] and Android devices. The app is accessible in various countries including the US, Canada, Peru, and Mexico. Its primary focus is on promoting child safety and enabling parental oversight. The app offers unique features such as Augmented Reality^[1] (AR) filters, intriguing games, and enriching educational content. It ensures privacy^[4] and security^[5] by registering users by their names rather than phone numbers and avoiding in-app purchases, ads, and data collection for ads. Despite its COPPA certification, the app faced criticism from public figures and child development experts concerning data collection from minors and potential harmful impacts. However, it continues to play a significant role in the digital space for children.

Terms definitions

1. ↑ Augmented reality ( Augmented Reality ) Augmented Reality, often abbreviated as AR, is a technology that merges the physical, real-world environment with digital or computer-generated elements. This integration is achieved using advanced technologies such as object recognition and computer vision. AR can be applied to a range of sensory experiences beyond just visual, providing a multi-sensory interaction. The technology is not limited to any specific sector and has found applications across various fields from gaming and entertainment to education, communications, and even medical practices. The hardware required for AR includes a processor, display, sensors, and input devices, and the display can range from optical projection systems to handheld devices and even eyeglasses. The design and development of AR focus on environmental and interaction design, aiming to enhance user experience and system usability.

2. ↑ Meta Platforms ( Meta Platforms ) Meta Platforms, Inc. is a leading technology conglomerate based in Menlo Park, California. It owns and operates a suite of popular digital platforms including Facebook, Instagram, Threads, and WhatsApp. As one of the top American information technology companies, Meta's portfolio extends beyond social media, with acquisitions in virtual reality (Oculus), mapping (Mapillary), brain-computer interface technology (CTRL-Labs), and a strategic investment in Jio Platforms. The company heavily relies on advertising for revenue. It went public in 2012, raising $16 billion in one of the largest IPOs in US history. In recent years, Meta has shifted its focus towards building a metaverse, an integrated virtual environment, which led to its rebranding from Facebook in 2021. Despite facing challenges including data breaches, leadership changes, and changes in privacy regulations, the company continues to innovate in areas like artificial intelligence and new app development.

Messenger Kids (Wikipedia)

Messenger Kids is a messaging application and platform introduced by Meta Platforms in December 2017, aimed at providing a secure alternative for a younger audience compared to the standard Messenger platform. Initially launched exclusively for iPad tablets running the iOS operating system in the United States, subsequent updates extended support to iPhone and Android devices, reaching additional markets such as Canada, Peru, and Mexico.

Messenger Kids

Developer(s)	Meta Platforms
Initial release	December 4, 2017; 6 years ago (2017-12-04)
Operating system	Android, iOS
Platform	Communication
Available in	English
Type	Instant messaging
License	Freeware
Website	messengerkids.com

Designed with a focus on child safety, the platform allows users to register using their first and last names rather than phone numbers. Parental oversight is a key feature, encompassing identity verification and the approval of contacts. The absence of in-app purchases and advertisements, coupled with a commitment to refraining from data collection for advertising purposes, distinguishes Messenger Kids. Importantly, children's accounts remain non-searchable on Facebook, and the platform does not automatically transition a child's account into a full-fledged Facebook account upon reaching the minimum registration age of 13. Noteworthy features of Messenger Kids include augmented reality filters and lenses, as well as the inclusion of games and educational content.

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