Meta expands AI age checks for Instagram teens as lawsuits mount

Meta is expanding its AI age estimation technology to Instagram globally, aiming to automatically enhance account protections for millions more teenagers. The company also intends to notify parents in the United States about the new system later this month. Instagram already provides various protections for teenage users, but many teens often lie about their age to bypass these safeguards.

In May, Meta announced the use of AI-powered age estimation to tackle this issue, restricting users under 13 and implementing limitations for those aged 13 to 17. Teen accounts feature age-appropriate content, restricted interaction options, and default time management tools. However, early results were not optimal, as a 12-year-old bypassed the system by drawing a fake moustache using an eyebrow pencil.

Meta now intends to roll out the new technology worldwide, hoping to overcome this issue. Since introducing this technology, the company has successfully placed more teens in age-appropriate protections. Parents in the United States will receive a notification in the coming month, accompanied by a video and an article authored by Larry Magid, an internet safety advocate and President and CEO of ConnectSafely.

The article will detail Meta's multi-layered age assurance approach, which includes preventing children under 13 from using the platform, offering age-appropriate experiences for teens, and informing parents about ways to collaborate in ensuring their teens provide accurate age information. The same protections will be extended to Threads and Facebook.