How Instagram’s ‘PG-13’ Branding for Teens Unraveled

The New York Times • March 31, 2026 • entertainment

Key Points:

Last fall, Instagram introduced new content restrictions for teenage users based on the PG-13 film rating to address child safety concerns.
The Motion Picture Association (MPA), which owns the PG-13 trademark, opposed Instagram's use of the rating and threatened legal action against Meta.
After months of dispute, Instagram agreed to drop the PG-13 branding and reached an agreement with the MPA.
As part of the agreement, Instagram will add disclaimers to its marketing materials clarifying it did not collaborate with the film industry on the content restrictions.