Facebook looking at ways of letting children under 13 use the network

Facebook who’s rules require users to be at least 13 years old to sign up for a profile, is actively working on policies to allow younger children onto the social network.

An article in the Wall Street Journal  claims, “Mechanisms being tested include connecting children’s accounts to their parents’ and controls that would allow parents to decide whom their kids can “friend” and what applications they can use.”

There are already many kids on the network ‘unofficially’ who sign up and give fictitious dates of birth, and in many cases with parents knowledge and consent however, giving younger kids access to the site would be an extremely sensitive move amongst regulators who already have fears about how the network protects privacy.

In response to questions Facebook said;

“Recent reports have highlighted just how difficult it is to enforce age restrictions on the Internet, especially when parents want their children to access online content and services,” 

“We are in continuous dialogue with stakeholders, regulators and other policy makers about how best to help parents keep their kids safe in an evolving online environment.”

Its not known when or if Facebook will introduce an under 13 service.