Meta releases new AI tools to detect underage Facebook and Instagram users

In a blog article, Meta has provided more details about its ongoing efforts to identify underage users on its Facebook and Instagram platforms. By moving beyond simple age disclosures, Meta is employing artificial intelligence (AI) to analyse entire profiles for contextual signals, such as mentions of school grades or birthday celebrations. These signals are gathered from various formats, including bios, captions, posts, and comments across Facebook Groups, Instagram Reels, and Instagram Live.

A key addition to these efforts is the use of visual analysis technology to scan photos and videos for physical cues, such as bone structure and height, to estimate a person's age. Meta explains that this process is not facial recognition, as it focuses on general age estimation rather than identifying specific individuals. Accounts suspected of being underage are deactivated. Users must provide proof of age to avoid deletion.

Meta is also simplifying its reporting tools for users and using AI to assist human reviewers in processing these reports with greater accuracy and speed. In addition, the company is strengthening measures to prevent underage users from creating new accounts. While many AI improvements are global, advanced features like visual analysis are currently limited to Instagram in the EU and Brazil, and Facebook in the US. 

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