Instagram is testing the use of artificial intelligence to check if users are accurately reporting their ages on the platform, according to its parent company, Meta Platforms. Although Meta has already been using AI to assess user ages for some time, Instagram is now taking a more proactive approach to identify accounts that might belong to teenagers, even if they entered an incorrect birthdate when signing up.
If AI detects that an account may belong to a teen despite the age discrepancy, the account will automatically be classified as a “teen account,” which comes with more restrictions compared to adult accounts. Teen accounts are set to private by default, meaning only people they follow or are connected with can send them private messages. Additionally, Instagram will limit access to sensitive content, such as videos involving violence or those promoting cosmetic procedures. Teen users will also receive a notification if they have been on the app for more than 60 minutes, and a “sleep mode” feature will activate between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m., which disables notifications and sends automatic replies to direct messages.
Meta explains that its AI system analyzes various factors, including the type of content the account interacts with, profile details, and the timing of account creation, to determine a user’s age.
These measures come amid growing concerns about how social media platforms affect the mental health of younger users. In response to increased scrutiny, more states are attempting to introduce age verification laws, although these efforts have faced legal challenges. Meta and other companies in the social media space argue that app stores should be responsible for verifying ages, as critics claim that platforms aren’t doing enough to ensure safety for children or prevent underage users from accessing their services.
Additionally, Instagram will notify parents with guidance on how to have conversations with their teens about the importance of accurately sharing their age online.
