Meta is expanding its AI-based age estimation technology on Instagram worldwide. The system identifies users it believes are aged 13 to 17, even if they registered with an adult birth date, and automatically places them under Teen Account protections. Accounts suspected of belonging to children under 13 are blocked. Teen Accounts include private settings by default, restricted messaging, content filtering, and time-management tools. The AI reviews profile signals such as posts, comments, bios, and visual cues from photos and videos without using facial recognition. The expansion follows earlier limited rollouts and comes as Meta continues similar measures on Facebook, with Threads planned later. US parents will receive Instagram notifications this month explaining the approach. The move forms part of broader efforts after major settlements over teen safety concerns.
Meta is expanding its AI-based age estimation technology on Instagram worldwide. The system identifies users it believes are aged 13 to 17, even if they registered with an adult birth date, and automatically places them under Teen Account protections. Accounts suspected of belonging to children under 13 are blocked. Teen Accounts include private settings by default, restricted messaging, content filtering, and time-management tools. The AI reviews profile signals such as posts, comments, bios, and visual cues from photos and videos without using facial recognition. The expansion follows earlier limited rollouts and comes as Meta continues similar measures on Facebook, with Threads planned later. US parents will receive Instagram notifications this month explaining the approach. The move forms part of broader efforts after major settlements over teen safety concerns.