Meta is now introducing an AI-powered age verification system to ensure that teen users only get age-appropriate digital experiences, thus reducing the risk of underage accounts. The new process builds on existing methods such as scanning user profiles to identify birthday celebrations or mentions of school grades.
The feature combines text and image analysis to identify accounts that may be owned by underage individuals. The AI technology will examine profiles, including birthday celebrations, and evaluate image indicators such as height and body shape. Meta emphasizes that this technology is not facial recognition, but rather only evaluates general indicators to estimate the age of the user. Accounts identified as underage will be deactivated and the owner will have to go through an age verification process before they can use the platform again.
In addition, Meta is also expanding the protection functions for Teen Accounts by adding built-in safety features, including limiting conversations and content that teens can access. Meta also emphasizes the role of parents as key partners in ensuring the safety of children.
In the United States, notifications will be sent to parents via Facebook and Instagram to help them check and verify the age of their teens, as well as providing guidance for discussions about the importance of accurate age information online.
From a policy perspective, Meta is proposing that app stores be required to centrally verify the age of users. This move is expected to help foster a safer digital ecosystem for young people.
