Zuckerberg Urged to Nix Kids' Version of Instagram

SAN FRANCISCO - Advocates for children from around the world urged Facebook chief Mark Zuckerberg on Thursday to ditch plans for a version of Instagram geared toward preteens.

Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood and the Electronic Privacy Information Center were among nearly 100 groups and individuals from North America, Europe, Africa and Australia to make the plea in a letter to Zuckerberg. Instagram "exploits young people's fear of missing out and desire for peer approval," the letter contended. "The platform's relentless focus on appearance, self-presentation and branding presents challenges to adolescents' privacy and well-being," it said, building on concerns about predators, bullies and inappropriate content.