Meta’s new AI system to identify underage users on Instagram
Published 1 hour ago | By Nouman Shakeel
Meta has announced the global expansion of its artificial intelligence (AI)-based technology designed to verify the ages of children and teenagers on Instagram. This system will help identify young users who, when creating an account, conceal their actual date of birth to appear as though they are 18 years of age or older.
According to the company, the purpose of this technology is to ensure that younger users are shown content appropriate for their age and to enhance their safety on the platform. Age determination will no longer rely solely on the date of birth provided in an account; instead, the AI will analyze other available information.
How will users who provide an incorrect age be identified?
Meta first introduced this technology in April 2025. The system estimates the ages of Instagram users, making it possible to identify individuals who are underage but have misrepresented themselves as adults.
If the AI system estimates that a user is under 18, they will be automatically moved to a specialized "Teen Account" on Instagram.
Safety measures for younger users in "Teen Accounts"
In September 2024, Meta introduced "Teen Accounts" for users aged 13 to 17. These accounts incorporate various safety restrictions aimed at limiting access to inappropriate content, preventing unwanted interactions, and managing the time spent on the app.
The company states that this AI-driven age-verification technology is now being rolled out globally. As an initial step, parents in the United States will see a special video in their Instagram feed explaining how the platform identifies teenage users and implements age-appropriate safety measures for them. Meta states that providing a safe digital environment for children and young people is among its priorities, and that the use of advanced technology—including artificial intelligence—will be further expanded to achieve this goal.
