Motion Picture Association hits Meta with cease-and-desist
The Motion Picture Association hits Meta with cease-and-desist after the tech giant began describing teen Instagram content as “PG-13.” The MPA argues Meta is misleading users by linking its AI-driven content controls to the long-established film rating system. This raises key questions about trademark use, online safety labels, and how platforms classify teen-friendly content in 2025.
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Why did the Motion Picture Association hit Meta with cease-and-desist?
According to The Wall Street Journal, the MPA claims Meta’s PG-13 terminology is “literally false and highly misleading.” Meta recently said Instagram accounts for teens would default to “PG-13-level” content, but the MPA argues its own movie-rating system should not be compared to Meta’s AI moderation rules. The association says this could confuse the public and damage trust in its standardized film rating framework.
What’s the difference between PG-13 and Meta’s content filters?
The MPA stresses its ratings are based on strict, transparent film-review standards—not automated moderation. Meta appears to rely on AI to classify what is safe for young users on Instagram. The MPA worries that if Instagram’s filtering fails, parents could lose confidence in the authentic PG-13 movie rating, which has existed for decades. So far, Meta has not publicly adjusted its terminology.
Could this PG-13 cease-and-desist affect Meta?
While the cease-and-desist is not a lawsuit, it signals possible legal action if Meta continues using the term. It also highlights growing pressure on social platforms to clearly label content for teens. As the Motion Picture Association hits Meta with cease-and-desist, industry experts expect tighter branding rules around safety standards—and more scrutiny over how Big Tech markets online protections.
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