Meta has quietly released a new AI tool to find underage users who lie about their age on Instagram. The company announced that if a teen signs up with an adult birthdate, their account gets flagged and switched to a restricted “Teen Account” if the system thinks they are underage.
Teen Accounts come with safety features that limit who can message the user and what content they can see. These protections are automatic for users under 16. If someone tries to change these settings, they need parental approval. Last year, Instagram launched Teen Accounts to make the platform safer for younger users. Meta is now expanding the use of these accounts.
How the AI Works
The AI tool doesn’t just look at the birthdate users type in. It also checks posts, like birthday wishes, and listens to reports from others. If it finds signs of lying, the account gets automatically switched to a Teen Account without asking the user.
Meta says the AI aims to be accurate but admits mistakes can happen. When that happens, users can still change their settings manually. The company promises to keep improving the system and make sure the right users are protected.
Warning the Parents
Instagram plans to send notices to parents. These will help them talk with their teens about honesty about their age. One simple way for parents to protect their kids is to check that the account’s birthdate is right.
This AI system was introduced just two weeks after Meta added Teen Accounts to Facebook and Messenger. So far, more than 54 million teens worldwide are in Teen Accounts, and about 97% of those aged 13 to 15 stay in these safe spaces.
Meta says it is doing its best to keep young users safe, even if it means limiting teens they try to keep out.
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