In today’s digital landscape, teens “aging up” online is a growing concern. Instagram has taken a step with advanced AI age verification to accurately identify users aged 13 to 17. This innovative tech will create a safer, tailored experience for young users.
The basis for this technology originates from the AI system developed by Instagram’s parent company “Meta”. If the system accurately specifies the age, it will take security and privacy to the next level for Instagram users.
Instagram has been focused on age verification since March 2021, when a report revealed many age misrepresentations among young users during sign-up.
In response, the platform began developing innovative technology that combines human insight with machine learning to identify users who misstate their age.
Initially, this system aimed to protect teens by sending warnings when they received private messages from adults, reminding them to prioritize their safety online.
To make sure that the users are trying to alter their age from under 18 to 18 or older, Instagram teamed up with the British age verification company Yoti in June 2022.
For age verification, Yoti technology analyzes the user’s facial features. But Yoti is concerned about privacy, so it deletes all the images after verification Meta reported in December 2022 that 96% of teens attempting to change their birth date to 18 or older were intercepted.
For now, Instagram verifies the user’s age by different methods. These include uploading government-issued identification by Yoti or from mutual friend verification. Meta’s advanced AI model identifies the age while creating an account and puts them in a teen account setting.
Stephanie Ottway, spokesperson of Instagram promised that the technology will analyze accurately the user’s age.
“profile information, account creation time, and interaction patterns.”
The AI age verification technology is set to launch in the U.S. in early 2025, with Meta committed to ensuring its accuracy. However, if the rollout faces delays or challenges, government intervention could become necessary.
The proposed “Social Media Child Protection Act” from February 2023 aims to require platforms to mandate valid identification for users, prohibiting access for those aged 16 and under.
The AI age verification technology is expected to launch in the U.S. in early 2025, with Meta focused on its accuracy. If issues arise, government intervention may follow. The “Social Media Child Protection Act,” proposed in February 2023, seeks to require valid identification for users, blocking access for those 16 and under.
