Meta is taking additional steps to increase the safety of young users on Instagram by using AI technology to identify and address underage accounts. The company plans to use an AI “adult classifier” tool to detect users who misrepresented their age during account creation.

How AI works:

Meta’s AI will analyze various aspects of user profiles, including follower lists, shared content and engagement patterns. It will even scan for “happy birthday” posts from friends to identify potential age discrepancies. Based on this analysis, accounts will be classified as over or under 18. Those identified as minors will be automatically transferred to restricted teen accounts.

Teen Account Restrictions:

Teen Instagram accounts have built-in security and content restrictions designed to protect young users from harmful or inappropriate content. These restrictions limit interactions with strangers, control the visibility of posts, and provide a safer online environment.

Age Verification and Appeals:

Although Meta did not disclose the exact accuracy rate of the AI ​​tool, users will have the option to appeal if they believe they have been incorrectly classified. To verify their age, users can provide a government-issued ID or submit a video selfie through Yoti, a secure age verification platform.

Addressing legal concerns and challenges:

This initiative follows a lawsuit filed by 33 attorneys general accusing Meta of implementing features that encourage excessive use of its platforms by minors, potentially harming their mental and physical well-being. Meta’s efforts to dismiss the case were unsuccessful.

Meta’s ongoing commitment to youth safety:

The introduction of the ‘adult classifier’ AI tool is the latest in a series of measures taken by Meta to improve the safety of young users on its platforms. These efforts include the creation of Teen Accounts and restrictions on interactions with strangers. Using AI technology, Meta aims to strengthen its ability to identify and protect minor users, ensuring a safer and more age-appropriate online experience.