Meta Deploys AI-Powered System to Protect Minors on Instagram
The tech giant is expanding its automated age-verification tools to Facebook and Threads.
How the new system works
Meta is tightening its protection mechanisms for younger users by expanding an AI-based age verification system across Instagram globally. The primary goal is to identify minors who have registered on the platform as adults.
The artificial intelligence analyzes user behaviour and various signals to determine if an account holder is under 18. If the system suspects the account belongs to a minor, it automatically transitions the profile to a "Teen Account." This mode enforces strict safety measures, including content filtering, restrictions on messages from unknown individuals, and tools to monitor screen time.
Meta states that this technology is already being deployed on Facebook, with plans to integrate it into the Threads platform by the end of the year. Additionally, a feature that transmits age data from Apple is currently being tested in Australia, allowing platforms to verify user ages more accurately using App Store information.
Safety and legal challenges
Meta has long advocated for app stores to provide a unified, verified age signal to platforms. Company representatives argue that this approach is more efficient and private than individual services conducting their own checks. They have called on competitors, including TikTok and YouTube, to join this initiative.
This move comes at a critical time for the company. Meta is facing numerous legal disputes alleging that its platforms cause harm to minors and utilize addictive design features. In August of this year, the company reached a settlement with U.S. states valued at up to $18 billion, which includes provisions for improving the identification and protection of teenagers.
What changes for parents
In the U.S., Meta is preparing new educational video materials for parents. Parents will see instructions in their Instagram feeds explaining how age restrictions work and how they can help their children configure their accounts correctly. While these features are currently being rolled out regionally, Meta’s goal is to establish these standards globally, which will eventually impact users in Georgia as well.