Meta deploys AI to detect underage users

Meta has rolled out expanded use of artificial intelligence to pinpoint teenagers who falsely state their ages when registering on its platforms. The technology identifies users who appear to be teenagers despite entering the birth dates of adults, aiming to provide additional safety measures for millions of young people globally.

The company revealed on Monday that the rollout will first boost protections for teenage Instagram users, with similar technology soon reaching Facebook and later Threads. This move tackles the issue of teenagers misrepresenting their birth dates to access adult-only content and services. Ensuring appropriate safeguards for minors hinges on accurately determining their ages, a challenge Meta describes as widespread across the industry.

The AI analyzes account information to flag potential teenage accounts, then relocates suspected teenagers to Teen Accounts, which automatically limit contact, accessible content, and usage time. Meta confirmed that the technology's success since its launch has prompted a global expansion. With the expanded deployment, more teenagers across various countries using Instagram will now receive these protections, including those who registered with adult birth dates.

Parents can now have greater confidence that Meta is taking proactive steps to safeguard teenagers online, regardless of their geographical location. This development expands on Meta’s existing Teen Accounts, which offer age-appropriate experiences on Instagram, Facebook, and Messenger, automatically imposing restrictions to minimize unwanted contact, inappropriate content exposure, and excessive usage.