When Facebook first announced its plan to create a version of Instagram for children, many parents and advocates raised immediate privacy concerns. After all, it’s hard enough for adults to trust Facebook with their data; why should a company known for its leaky privacy practices be given access to the information of children? However, despite an avalanche of criticism, Facebook is reportedly moving ahead with the app anyway.

Once again, advocates are sounding the alarm over Facebook’s plan — and calling out the company for refusing to listen to experts.

“Here is the entire world saying, ‘We are so concerned about Facebook and Instagram and social media,’” said Josh Golin, executive director of advocacy group Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood. “And their response is, ‘You know what, we’re going to go after little kids.’’’

In an open letter to Facebook, Golin’s group also blasted Facebook for building its business by getting a new generation of users addicted, saying that “while collecting valuable family data and cultivating a new generation of Instagram users may be good for Facebook’s bottom line, it will likely increase the use of Instagram by young children who are particularly vulnerable to the platform’s manipulative and exploitative features.”

At this point, it’s clear Facebook will stop at nothing to vacuum up as much user data as possible — even if those users are children. It isn’t surprising, but it’s still disappointing nonetheless.

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