Meta expands AI age checks for Instagram teens as lawsuits mount
Meta is expanding its AI-driven age-estimation technology to place more Instagram teens into protective accounts, even if their self-reported birth dates suggest they are adults. This move comes as the company faces significant legal pressure and multi-billion dollar settlements regarding the addictive nature of its platforms for minors.
Why it matters
This reflects the growing global regulatory and legal scrutiny on social media companies regarding child safety and the ethical design of digital products.
Meta Platforms said on Monday it would expand its AI age-estimation technology globally to move millions more teens on Instagram into Teen Account protections, even if they have given birth dates showing they are adults, as the company faces lawsuits alleging its platforms harm young users. Teen Accounts, available on Instagram, Facebook and Messenger, include built-in protections that automatically limit who can contact teens, the content they see and their time on the apps. Parents in the US will begin receiving Instagram notifications this month explaining how teens are placed in age-appropriate protections, Meta said. In Australia, Meta has begun using Apple’s age-range signal as an additional method to help determine users’ ages.
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Meta Expands Artificial Intelligence Age Verification Tools for Instagram Worldwide
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