Meta Tests AI to Enforce Teen Accounts on Instagram, Facebook, and Messenger
Meta is not taking any chances when it comes to its younger users, stepping up its efforts to strengthen protections and ensure that teens on its platforms are placed into the dedicated accounts designed for safer experiences.
The company is testing AI-powered technology across Instagram, Facebook, and Messenger in the US to detect whether an account belongs to a teen, even when users attempt to bypass age restrictions by providing false birthdates.
AI Age Detection Targets Fake Birthdates for Teen Accounts
Meta's new initiative aims to identify underage users who may have lied about their age to gain access to adult accounts.
If the AI suspects that an account belongs to a teen, even when an adult birthday is provided, it will automatically transfer the user to a Teen Account.
Teen accounts, launched on Instagram in late 2024 and later expanded to Facebook and Messenger, are designed with stricter privacy settings.
These include automatic privacy controls and limits on who can message teen users, which are intended to reduce exposure to inappropriate content and potential harm.
Meta has emphasised that it is taking steps to ensure the accuracy of the AI technology.
In the event of a mistake, users will have the option to revert their settings to an adult account, maintaining control over their profiles.
Teen Accounts Safeguard Young Users with Enhanced Privacy
Meta’s AI-driven push to place teens in protected accounts comes as the company reports that over 54 million young users have already been enrolled in Teen Accounts.
Among users aged 13 to 15, a significant 97% have chosen to retain these settings.
Teen accounts are built with enhanced protections, automatically setting profiles to private and limiting interactions with strangers, making them an important safeguard for younger audiences.
The company claims that 90% of parents surveyed agree that these measures contribute to safer online experiences for their children.
Under the new system, teens under the age of 16 must obtain parental consent if they wish to opt out of the Teen Account protections, further emphasising Meta’s commitment to safeguarding its younger audience.
Meta Educates Parents on the Importance of Accurate Age Information
In addition to the AI-based system, Meta is introducing a new feature to alert parents about the importance of accurate age information on their children’s profiles.
Starting today, Instagram will send notifications to parents, guiding them on how to discuss the significance of truthful age reporting with their teens.
This initiative underscores Meta’s broader strategy to work alongside parents to ensure a safer online environment for young users.
Growing Pressure to Ensure Age-Appropriate Experiences on Social Media
Meta's move to enhance age verification follows growing concerns about the impact of social media on younger users.
As the digital landscape continues to evolve, the company recognises the need to adapt and ensure that its platforms provide age-appropriate experiences.
This initiative is also part of Meta’s broader efforts to back federal legislation advocating for stricter age verification protocols across app stores, including measures that would require parental consent for under-16 users to download apps.
By strengthening its teen account system and refining AI detection, Meta aims to create a safer environment for younger users across its platforms, while also addressing the concerns of parents and regulators about online safety.
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