Xbox Live Blocks Kids Under 18 From Facebook and Twitter Apps

by JP Mangalindan — Nov 9th 2009 at 8:36AM

In a move that should make extroverted Xbox Live members happy, Microsoft will add Facebook and Twitter functionality to the next Dashboard update, currently being tested in public previews. But underage teens will get a cold dose of reality when they find they can't log onto the social networks from their favorite console.

Microsoft has blocked kids under 18 from accessing the popular social networking apps, though Facebook lets kids as young as 13 open accounts, and Twitter currently has no age restriction rule. Why? "Parents aren't able to use Family Settings to customize which applications their children can access," wrote Xbox Live Director of Programming Larry Hryb on his blog. "To offer an age-appropriate environment for everyone, we decided to turn these applications off for [Xbox Live] Gold members under the age of 18."

Hryb promises a solution is on the way: a future Dashboard update with proper parental controls. When that rolls out, teens will be able to Facebook and Twitter as much as they want, just so long as their parents approve. But for now, they'll have to log in the old-fashioned way: on their computer. [From: CNET and Major Nelson]

Tags: top, xbl, xbox live, XboxLive

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Brian said 11:32AM on 11-09-2009

Makes sense.

How easy is it for little mikey to change his DOB on his XBL account?

Mizbiz said 2:11PM on 11-23-2009

Well Brian... it's all based on user imput anyway. Most parents just give kids the 360 and that's that.
So if little "Mikey" wants it; He'll be able to change it with ease.

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