Meta takes AI-powered age detection beyond Instagram in global teen safety expansion
Meta has announced the expansion of its Artificial Intelligence Technology to strengthen teen account protection globally by identifying teens who may have misstated their age online and placing them under Teen Account protection.
The global rollout will see millions more teenagers using Instagram benefit from Teen Account safeguards, regardless of whether they registered with an adult date of birth. Meta is also extending the technology to Facebook, with plans to introduce similar capabilities globally on Threads later this year.
The technology is designed to identify accounts that may belong to teenagers by analysing signals that suggest a user is underage, even when their registered date of birth indicates otherwise. Accounts identified as belonging to teens can then be placed under Teen Account settings.
Meta’s Teen Accounts, available on Instagram, Facebook and Messenger, come with built-in restrictions designed to create safer online experiences for younger users. These include limits on who can contact them, the type of content they can access, and how much time they can spend on the platforms.
The expansion builds on Meta’s efforts to address challenges related to age verification online, particularly cases where teenagers misrepresent their ages to access features and experiences intended for adults.
According to Meta, its AI-powered detection system has already helped place more teenagers under age-appropriate protections since its initial introduction, prompting the decision to extend the technology to additional markets.
The company noted that the wider rollout will strengthen its ability to proactively identify underage users and ensure they receive safety features designed for their age group.
Ultimately, the move comes as technology companies face growing pressure from parents, regulators and child safety advocates to strengthen safeguards for minors on social media platforms and address the risks associated with young people’s online activities.
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