Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has introduced an AI system that analyzes bone structure and other visual cues to detect users under 13, aiming to bolster platform safety and compliance with age regulations.
- AI analyzes photos and videos for cues like height and bone structure.
- Underage accounts are deactivated until age is verified.
- Teen Accounts with stricter controls are expanding in the US and Europe.
What happened
Meta has developed a new AI-driven method to detect Facebook and Instagram users under the age of 13 by analyzing physical indicators such as bone structure and height in photos and videos. This approach does not use facial recognition or identify specific individuals but instead looks for general visual cues combined with contextual information from posts, comments, and bios.
Alongside detecting underage users, Meta is expanding its Teen Account program, which automatically categorizes users aged 13 to 17 into accounts with stricter privacy settings. These include blocking messages from strangers and limiting livestreaming capabilities for younger teens. The features are currently being rolled out in the US, with planned expansions to the UK and EU in June.
Why it matters
This move addresses long-standing concerns about minors accessing social media without parental consent and the risks posed by unsafe online environments. Using AI to identify underage users marks a significant step in proactive content moderation and user protection, reflecting growing regulatory and public pressure on platforms like Meta.
The announcement follows a high-profile legal ruling in New Mexico requiring Meta to pay $375 million and implement stronger child safety measures after being found negligent in protecting children from online predators. This new technology may represent part of Meta’s efforts to comply with legal and societal demands to improve safety and accountability.
What to watch next
Monitor how effectively Meta’s AI system can accurately detect underage users without raising privacy issues or false positives, especially as it expands to other regions worldwide. The balance between safety enforcement and user privacy will be critical in public and regulatory reception to this initiative.
It will also be important to watch developments in age verification legislation at both app store and operating system levels, as Meta advocates for broader systemic solutions. Ongoing regulatory actions and legal challenges in the US and abroad could influence further platform changes and enforcement mechanisms.