Hollywood vs. Big Tech: MPA Slams Meta with Cease-and-Desist Over Unauthorized ‘PG-13’ Label on Instagram Teen Accounts

The Motion Picture Association (MPA) sent a formal cease-and-desist letter to Meta. The MPA demands that Meta immediately stop using the “PG-13” movie rating for Instagram’s teen content filters. Meta recently announced that new settings for users under 18 would be “guided by PG-13” standards. The film trade group insists this claim is false and misleading.

The MPA argues that its rating process is based on an independent group of parents. They view the entire film and evaluate factors in context. Meta’s system, however, relies heavily on AI and automated tools. The MPA stated that its human-driven methodology “cannot be replicated” by AI.

The letter warned that Meta’s unauthorized use of the certification mark could damage public trust. Meta responded to the dispute. A spokesperson said the company never claimed an official partnership with the MPA. They used the PG-13 concept to give parents a better, familiar idea of the content teens would see. The company expressed hope they can still work with the MPA for clarity on teen safety.