Instagram to Implement AI for Identifying Underage Users and Enforcing Teen Account Safeguards

It’s well-known that numerous teenagers circumvent social media age limitations by simply inputting a false birth date during registration. To tackle this issue, Instagram is now leveraging artificial intelligence to assist in identifying underage users and ensuring they are assigned to suitable “teen accounts,” as stated in a blog entry released by the platform on Monday.

While Instagram already employs AI to approximate users’ ages, the platform is currently trialing the technology’s capability to proactively identify teens who have registered with adult birth dates. Once pinpointed, these users will be transitioned into teen accounts, which offer a variety of integrated safety features.

SEE ALSO: Instagram will limit teens from using Live, as Teen Accounts extend to Facebook and Messenger

This initiative follows recent modifications by Instagram aimed at safeguarding younger users. The platform now prohibits users under 16 from accessing Instagram Live and mandates parental consent for teens wishing to turn off content filters that obscure nude images in direct messages.

Although Instagram strives to enhance the precision of its AI age detection, the company recognizes that inaccuracies may arise. Users will have the option to modify their account settings if they feel they were miscategorized.

Furthermore, Instagram will initiate notifications to parents who utilize the platform, providing advice on how to discuss the importance of submitting accurate age information during registration with their children.

These updates emerge amidst increasing scrutiny of Instagram’s parent company, Meta. The firm is currently confronting lawsuits—including one from the state of California—accusing it of failing to sufficiently safeguard minors from harm or alert them to the dangers associated with using its platforms.

According to Instagram, over 54 million teens globally have been registered in teen accounts. The majority of users aged 13 to 15 have opted to maintain these protective configurations.

“The digital landscape continues to progress, and we must progress with it,” Instagram remarked in its blog post. “That’s why it’s crucial that we collaborate with parents to ensure as many teens as possible benefit from the protective settings associated with Teen Accounts.”