Parenting is hard enough—and Instagram has made it even more complicated. To add to the stress, TV series like Adolescence on Netflix are sending Indian parents of teenagers into panic mode. With school drama and teen mood swings already keeping them on their toes, the last thing parents want is to become emoji detectives on Instagram. Simply put, Meta—the company behind Instagram—has received the message loud and clear: make life easier for parents or risk losing teenagers.
“Our priority is to build long-term trust with parents. We want them to feel that of all the apps their teen might use, Instagram is the safest and most protective,” said Tara Hopkins, Global Director of Public Policy at Instagram.(HT)
Australia has already banned social media for under-16s. While other countries debate similar laws—and before all hell breaks loose in Menlo Park—Meta has announced new teen safety initiatives in India, one of its largest user bases. Meta aims to complete the rollout of “Teen Account” settings in India by the end of June 2025. The goal? Let school kids use Instagram safely—without parents constantly worrying.
Tara Hopkins, Global Director of Public Policy at Instagram, shared more insights with Debashis Sarkar of Hindustan Times on how Instagram plans to protect teenagers. Excerpts:
Q. Instagram Teen Accounts sound great, but how do you accurately verify a user’s age? Anyone can lie online.
Tara Hopkins: If a teen tries to change their date of birth from under 18 to over 18 on Instagram, we put them through an age verification process. This involves technologies designed to ensure the change is genuine. There are two main methods: users can either upload an official ID, which is reviewed by human moderators, or they can submit a video selfie. The video is analysed by a third-party company called Yoti, which uses AI to assess facial features and estimate age with a high level of accuracy.
We also monitor behavioural signals. For instance, if someone claims to be 25, but their profile picture and followers suggest they’re 15, we prompt them to complete the age assurance process.
We’ve also started testing AI tools that help us identify users who may have misstated their age when they first signed up. These tools analyse profile pictures, follower networks, and behaviours—for example, if someone posts a story celebrating their 15th birthday, that becomes a signal.
We don’t publicly share all the signals we track, as it’s a somewhat adversarial space, but we use them to place underage users into a restricted Teen Account experience.
Q. What are the restrictions on Instagram Teen Accounts?
Tara Hopkins: Meta has introduced additional protections for users under 16. They can no longer go live or disable filters that block unwanted images in direct messages without parental approval.
Teen Accounts are currently being rolled out across Instagram in India and will extend to Facebook and Messenger later this year. These accounts include safeguards like protection from unsolicited messages, limited exposure to sensitive content, and time management tools. Parents will also be able to supervise how their teens interact across Meta platforms.
Once a user is identified as under 16, they are automatically placed into the Teen Account experience, which includes safety settings that limit who can interact with them and what kind of content they see. These settings are default and require parental permission to be changed.
In India, these protections are already in place. Key features include private account settings by default, controls on who can message, tag or mention teens, and filters to reduce exposure to harmful or sensitive content.
Strangers can’t message teens unless the teen has opted to receive requests from non-followers. Teens receive alerts if someone tries to contact them too frequently or suspiciously. Guardians also gain insight into their teen’s usage on Messenger and can customise supervision settings based on their family’s preferences.
Q. Kids today use emojis to communicate. How do you help parents navigate that?
Tara Hopkins: We offer several tools to help. One of the most important is the Hidden Words feature on Instagram. It’s a customisable list of potentially offensive words and emojis—covering everything from bullying to racism and other forms of harassment. We developed this tool with civil society groups, including organisations in India, to ensure it accounts for local sensitivities.
For teen accounts, Hidden Words is enabled by default. If the user is under 16, they cannot disable it without parental approval. Teens can also add their own words and emojis to the list.
We also have dedicated internal teams monitoring trends in harmful communication—including emoji use. These teams, often with backgrounds in law enforcement or digital safety, analyse behavioural patterns to identify misuse.
Of course, this remains a challenge. Emojis and slang evolve constantly, and a 13-year-old communicates very differently from a 16-year-old. So we’re constantly adapting our tools to match how teens interact online.
Q. Screenshots have become a new challenge on social media. Any plans to restrict their use?
Tara Hopkins: Yes, we’re actively exploring how screenshots are used, particularly in cases of sextortion—a serious and growing threat. Meta is investing heavily in technology and processes to address this issue.
Sextortion is a crime, often involving organised criminal networks. Offenders usually pretend to be someone familiar to the teen, but in reality, they’re often based in entirely different countries.
To prevent such cases, we use a combination of warning signals. For example, if an account is created just an hour ago and suddenly tries to follow a teen, that’s a red flag. Another signal is when someone takes a screenshot of a teen’s follower list—this can indicate suspicious intent. We combine these signals and act preemptively to stop the person from contacting the teen.
We’ve set a high threshold for anyone attempting to connect with teen accounts. We also use in-app nudges to alert teens—for instance, if they block someone, they can choose to block any future accounts linked to the same device or identity. This feature, known as multi-device blocking, prevents offenders from reaching teens even with new accounts.
Yes, screenshot activity is definitely one of the behaviours we track as part of this broader strategy.
Q. Aren’t you concerned that these restrictions might make Instagram seem less cool to school kids?
Tara Hopkins: Yes and no. Instagram continues to be hugely relevant, especially in India. It’s a platform deeply loved for its creative potential—especially in areas like music, art, fashion, and content creation. India is a crucial market for us.
That said, we understand that usage patterns may shift. If teens start using Instagram differently—or a bit less—because of our Teen Account settings, we’re absolutely fine with that. It’s a conscious decision we’ve made at Meta because we believe it’s the right approach.
Our priority is to build long-term trust with parents. We want them to feel that of all the apps their teen might use, Instagram is the safest and most protective. That’s also why we’re rolling out similar protections on Facebook and Messenger. Whichever Meta platform a teen chooses, the safeguards will be consistent.
We know these changes will take time to settle in—especially in a country as vast and diverse as India. We’re midway through the rollout here, and it may take a while for the message to reach all families. But we hope these changes spark more conversations at home and help parents feel more empowered and involved in their teens’ digital lives.
V. Naryanan, ISRO chairman (fourth from left), and other dignitaries at the commissioning of O-ARM in Chennai on Wednesday.
| Photo Credit: R. Ravindran
By 2040, India will be among the developed nations in the field of space and would have its own space station, V. Narayanan, chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), said.
Speaking at the commissioning of O-ARM – a stealth technology equipment for Kauvery Hospital – here on Wednesday, Mr. Narayanan noted that the ISRO looked to place in orbit an independent 52-tonne space station by 2035. “Work is on to building a rocket the size of a 40-story building, which will take people to space…,” he added.
“India is growing in all sectors. I request doctors to adhere to ethics and values, and work to help villagers lead a healthy life,” he further said.
Aravindan Selvaraj, co-founder of Kauvery Hospital, said the O-ARM machine, installed in the hospital’s Alwarpet branch, helped doctors to precisely operate on tumours. It is especially helpful in treating brain and spine and in orthopaedic surgeries, he added.
Doctors who shared their experience said the technology’s precision would help patients get back on their feet faster, and heal better.
Meta Ray-Ban glasses are officially launching in India soon. These AI-powered smart glasses will enable users to make hands-free conversations with the voice assistant, users can ask any question to get real-time answers, listen to music, extract information, and much more hands-free. Including India, the Meta Ray-Ban glasses will also be launched in Mexico and the UAE, expanding their availability to more users. While the company did not reveal any specific date or launch timeline, we expect it to debut in the upcoming months.
Meta Ray-Ban glasses expands live translation feature across market.(Meta )
In addition to the India launch, the tech giant shared a detailed blog post showcasing the new frame designs for the Meta Ray-Ban with Skyler frame and lens colour combos. The company also announced a major software upgrade, bringing new features to the Meta Ray-Ban glasses.
After Meta Ray-Ban’s official debut in September 2023, the AI-powered smart glasses are officially coming to India. Recently, smart glasses were introduced in several European regions and the UK. Now, Meta has planned to expand its availability to more countries, including India. Meta said, “These stylish glasses offer everyday wearability and help you be more present with friends, family, and the world around you by letting you capture a moment or listen to music, while your phone stays in your pocket.”
With the India launch, Meta introduced a new design cat-eye, stylish frame for the smart glasses, which the company says “Skyler Shiny” frame. These frames will be available in Skyler Shiny Black with G15 Green lenses, Skyler Shiny Chalky Gray with Transitions Sapphire lenses, and Skyler Shiny Black with Clear lenses.
As part of its software update, Meta is bringing the live translation feature to all markets. As of now, the translation language supports English, French, Italian, and Spanish. Users just have to say, “Hey Meta, start live translation”, and it will provide a detailed translation without the requirement of a WiFi connection. Furthermore, Meta is bringing Instagram, WhatsApp and Messenger integration to Meta Ray-Ban glasses, allowing users to “send and receive direct messages, photos, audio calls, and video calls on your glasses.” Lastly, Meta Ray-Ban glasses will bring support for additional music platforms, including Spotify, Amazon Music, Apple Music, and Shazam.
Staying cool and comfortable becomes a top priority with soaring temperatures, and investing in the right air conditioner is essential. With numerous options flooding the market, finding the best AC under ₹35,000 can be overwhelming. To simplify your search, we’ve curated a list of the top 8 air conditioners from renowned brands like Voltas, Carrier, Godrej, Lloyd, Hitachi, and Blue Star.
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These models combine energy efficiency, advanced features, and durability to suit diverse needs and room sizes. Whether you’re looking for smart Wi-Fi-enabled ACs, convertible cooling modes, or long-lasting warranties, our recommendations have got you covered. This is our detailed guide to discover the perfect AC for your home this summer season!
₹35000 for this summer season: Top 8 picks we suggest from brands like Voltas, Carrier and more” data-title=”Voltas 1.5 ton 3 Star” data-vars-multiProductFlag=”false” data-vars-amazon=”B0CWVDXYX1″ data-vars-flipkart=”” data-vars-ajio=”” data-vars-singleamazonadlist=”B0CWVDXYX1″ data-vars-formatType=”” data-vars-index=1 data-vars-position=”1″ data-vars-recommendation-tag=”Best overall AC”>
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The Voltas 1.5 Ton AC is a versatile cooling solution with a 4-in-1 adjustable mode for customized comfort. Its inverter compressor ensures energy efficiency, while the copper condenser offers durability and rust resistance.
With high-ambient cooling up to 52-degrees Celsius, it’s perfect for extreme climates. Though cooling speed and noise vary, its sleek design and value for money make it a reliable choice for medium-sized rooms.
What buyers are saying on Amazon?
Cools rooms quickly and looks sleek, but installation and noise levels vary.
Why choose this product?
Offers flexibility, durability, and energy savings, backed by a 10-year compressor warranty.
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The Carrier 1.5 Ton AC is a tech-savvy cooling solution with Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing you to control it remotely via your smartphone or voice assistants like Alexa and Google Home. Its 6-in-1 convertible cooling technology lets you adjust cooling capacity (from 40% to 110%) based on room size or heat load, ensuring energy savings of up to 50%.
The PM 2.5 filter and anti-corrosion blue-coated copper condenser enhance air quality and durability, making it ideal for extreme climates (up to 52-degree Celsius). With features like stabilizer-free operation and refrigerant leakage detection, it’s a smart, reliable choice for modern homes.
What are buyers saying on Amazon?
Smart features like Wi-Fi and PM 2.5 filter are impressive, but some units are defective or noisy.
Why choose this product?
Choose this AC for its smart connectivity, advanced cooling options, and durable design, making it perfect for tech enthusiasts looking for energy efficiency and convenience.
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The Godrej 1.5 Ton AC is a reliable cooling solution with a 5-year comprehensive warranty, offering peace of mind for long-term use. Its 5-in-1 convertible cooling technology allows you to adjust cooling capacity (40%–110%), ensuring energy savings and customized comfort. The hydrophilic blue fins on the copper condenser enhance durability and performance, even in high temperatures (up to 52°C).
With features like anti-microbial self-clean technology and i-Sense remote sensing, it ensures clean air and precise cooling tailored to your location. While installation and service experiences vary, its low noise levels and sleek design make it a great value-for-money option.
What are buyers are saying on Amazon?
Excellent cooling and quiet operation, but installation and service need improvement.
Why choose this product?
Choose this AC for its 5-year warranty, customizable cooling modes, and durability, making it ideal for those seeking long-term reliability and energy efficiency.
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The Lloyd 1.5 Ton AC combines sleek design and advanced features like 5-in-1 convertible cooling and PM 2.5 + anti-viral filters for superior air quality. Its inverter compressor adjusts power based on heat load, ensuring energy savings and consistent cooling. The blue fins evaporator copper coils resist corrosion, enhancing durability and performance, even at high ambient temperatures.
With a turbo cool mode and hidden LED display , it offers both functionality and aesthetics. While installation experiences are mixed, its quiet operation and cooling performance make it a strong contender for medium-sized rooms.
What are buyers saying on Amazon?
Fast cooling and sleek design, but installation can be hit or miss.
Why choose this product?
Choose this AC for its superior air filtration, quiet operation, and durable design, making it perfect for health-conscious buyers with medium-sized rooms.
₹35000 for this summer season: Top 8 picks we suggest from brands like Voltas, Carrier and more” data-title=”Lloyd 1 Ton 5 Star” data-vars-multiProductFlag=”false” data-vars-amazon=”B0BRKXFVVJ” data-vars-flipkart=”” data-vars-ajio=”” data-vars-singleamazonadlist=”B0CWVDXYX1,B0DSWR3DJ3,B0DR327PJK,B0CCY3HLCV,B0BRKXFVVJ” data-vars-formatType=”” data-vars-index=5 data-vars-position=”5″ data-vars-recommendation-tag=”Most energy efficient”>
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The Lloyd 1 Ton 5 Star AC is an energy-efficient cooling solution designed for small rooms. Its 5-in-1 convertible cooling technology offers flexibility, allowing you to adjust cooling capacity for optimal energy savings. The anti-viral + PM 2.5 filter ensures clean air, while the inverter compressor provides consistent cooling even at high temperatures.
With a sleek design, low noise levels, and a 5-star energy rating , it’s an excellent choice for compact spaces. However, installation and functionality issues have been reported by some buyers.
What are buyers saying on Amazon?
Impressive cooling and energy efficiency, but installation and remote issues noted.
Why choose this product?
Choose this AC for its energy efficiency, advanced air filtration, and compact design, making it ideal for small rooms and eco-conscious buyers.
₹35000 for this summer season: Top 8 picks we suggest from brands like Voltas, Carrier and more” data-title=”Carrier 1 Ton 3 Star” data-vars-multiProductFlag=”false” data-vars-amazon=”B0DSWRQRNZ” data-vars-flipkart=”” data-vars-ajio=”” data-vars-singleamazonadlist=”B0CWVDXYX1,B0DSWR3DJ3,B0DR327PJK,B0CCY3HLCV,B0BRKXFVVJ,B0DSWRQRNZ” data-vars-formatType=”” data-vars-index=6 data-vars-position=”6″ data-vars-recommendation-tag=”Best value for money”>
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The Carrier 1 Ton AC is a smart and energy-efficient cooling solution designed for small rooms. Its Wi-Fi connectivity allows remote control via smartphone or voice assistants like Alexa and Google Home. The 6-in-1 convertible cooling technology lets you adjust cooling capacity for optimal energy savings of up to 50%.
The PM 2.5 filter ensures clean air, while the anti-corrosion blue-coated copper condenser enhances durability and performance in rising temperatures. With features like stabilizer-free operation, refrigerant leakage detection, and auto cleanser, it’s a reliable and feature-packed choice for modern homes.
What are buyers saying on Amazon?
Smart features and good cooling performance, but some units are defective or noisy.
Why choose this product?
Choose this AC for its smart connectivity, advanced cooling options, and durable design, making it perfect for tech enthusiasts looking for energy efficiency and convenience.
₹35000 for this summer season: Top 8 picks we suggest from brands like Voltas, Carrier and more” data-title=”Hitachi 1 Ton Class 3 Star” data-vars-multiProductFlag=”false” data-vars-amazon=”B0DQTVHP1G” data-vars-flipkart=”” data-vars-ajio=”” data-vars-singleamazonadlist=”B0CWVDXYX1,B0DSWR3DJ3,B0DR327PJK,B0CCY3HLCV,B0BRKXFVVJ,B0DSWRQRNZ,B0DQTVHP1G” data-vars-formatType=”” data-vars-index=7 data-vars-position=”7″ data-vars-recommendation-tag=”Newest model”>
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The Hitachi 1 Ton AC is a compact yet powerful cooling solution with Xpandable+ Technology for enhanced airflow and faster cooling. Its FrostWash Technology ensures odour-free and clean air, while the 4-way swing provides uniform cooling across the room.
The inverter compressor adjusts power based on heat load, ensuring energy efficiency and consistent performance. With a 5-year comprehensive warranty and durable 100% copper condenser, it’s built to last. While installation experiences vary, its sleek design, quiet operation, and affordability make it an excellent choice for small rooms.
What are buyers saying on Amazon?
Excellent cooling and energy efficiency, but installation and service need improvement.
Why choose this product?
Choose this AC for its compact size, advanced air filtration, and quiet operation, making it ideal for small rooms and eco-conscious buyers.
₹35000 for this summer season: Top 8 picks we suggest from brands like Voltas, Carrier and more” data-title=”Blue Star 1.3 Ton 3 Star” data-vars-multiProductFlag=”false” data-vars-amazon=”B0BW9D8YSQ” data-vars-flipkart=”” data-vars-ajio=”” data-vars-singleamazonadlist=”B0CWVDXYX1,B0DSWR3DJ3,B0DR327PJK,B0CCY3HLCV,B0BRKXFVVJ,B0DSWRQRNZ,B0DQTVHP1G,B0BW9D8YSQ” data-vars-formatType=”” data-vars-index=8 data-vars-position=”8″ data-vars-recommendation-tag=””>
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The Blue Star 1.3 Ton AC is a versatile cooling solution with 5-in-1 convertible cooling technology, allowing you to adjust cooling capacity for customized comfort. Its anti-corrosive blue fins ensure durability, while the inverter compressor delivers energy efficiency and consistent performance.
With features like multi-sensors, dust filters, and turbo cool, it ensures clean air and rapid cooling. The 5-year comprehensive warranty adds peace of mind, though installation and service quality vary. Its ability to cool at high ambient temperatures makes it suitable for extreme climates.
What are buyers saying on Amazon?
Good cooling and adjustable settings, but installation and remote issues noted.
Why choose this product?
Choose this AC for its versatility, durability, and long warranty, making it ideal for those seeking flexibility and reliability in extreme climates.
What cooling capacity do I need for my room size?
For small rooms (up to 110 sq. ft.), opt for 1 Ton ACs like the Carrier 1 Ton or Hitachi 1 Ton . Medium-sized rooms (111–150 sq. ft.) require 1.5 Ton models like the Voltas 1.5 Ton or Lloyd 1.5 Ton , ensuring efficient cooling without overloading energy consumption.
How important is energy efficiency in choosing an AC?
Energy-efficient models like the Godrej 1.5 Ton (ISEER 4.1) or Lloyd 1 Ton 5 Star reduce electricity bills significantly. If you live in hot climates or use the AC frequently, prioritize higher ISEER ratings and star ratings (3-Star or 5-Star) for long-term savings.
Should I invest in smart features like Wi-Fi connectivity?
If convenience matters, go for smart-enabled ACs like the Carrier Wi-Fi AC series. Features like remote control via apps or voice assistants enhance usability but come at a premium. Evaluate if these features align with your lifestyle before investing.
How critical is warranty and durability for long-term use?
Long warranties, like the Godrej 5-Year Comprehensive or Blue Star 60-Month Warranty, ensure peace of mind. Durable copper condensers with anti-corrosion coatings are ideal for harsh climates, minimizing maintenance costs and ensuring uninterrupted performance.
Top 3 features of the best AC under ₹35000
Best AC under ₹35000
Tonnage
Energy Efficiency (Star Rating)
Special Feature
Voltas 1.5 Ton 3 Star Inverter Split AC
1.5 Ton
3 Star (ISEER 3.81)
4-in-1 Adjustable Cooling Modes, Anti-dust Filter, High Ambient Cooling (52°C)
Disclaimer: At Hindustan Times, we help you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and products. Hindustan Times has an affiliate partnership, so we may get a part of the revenue when you make a purchase. We shall not be liable for any claim under applicable laws, including but not limited to the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, with respect to the products. The products listed in this article are in no particular order of priority.
