Reference no: EM133165038

Currently, users under the age of 13 are not permitted to create profiles on Facebook. Although many tweens lie about their age and create profiles, because Facebook can't identify users under 13, advertisers can't use Facebook to reach this demographic.

Allowing tweens to create profiles could reinvigorate Facebook's slowing growth. But Facebook has already come under fire for privacy issues, and it may want to avoid exposing itself to potential allegations about exploiting or failing to protect children. In addition, the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) would require Facebook to allow parents to elect not to have their children's online activities tracked. If parents took advantage of this option, Facebook would have limited data and access to offer advertisers, compromising its ability to profit from the preteen demographic.

Facebook must weigh many risks and potential benefits in deciding whether to open up to tweens. Please use the ethical decision-making framework to answer the following questions:

1. Why do some people feel that Facebook shouldn't target children under 13? Do you agree?

2. Despite the current policy, surveys suggest that millions of children under the age of 13 lie about their age and use Facebook. How should Facebook, parents, and children share the responsibility for any adverse consequences the children might experience? Would the risk of such consequences be lessened if Facebook allowed children to have profiles?

3. What risks, costs, and benefits should Facebook consider in deciding whether to allow preteen users? To what extent should Internet companies be held accountable for children's online safety?