Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has introduced a new method to detect and remove users under the age of 13: artificial intelligence bone structure analysis. In a blog post on Tuesday, the company explained that its AI system will scan photos and videos posted on its platforms for general themes and visual cues, including height and bone structure. Meta emphasized that this is not facial recognition and does not identify specific individuals in images. The system is part of Meta's ongoing efforts to keep minors off its platforms and will also analyze posts, comments, bios, and captions for contextual clues indicating underage users.
How the AI System Works
Meta's AI-powered facial analysis is currently available only in select countries, including the United States, before a wider rollout. The technology is similar to face-scanning services offered by age verification companies like Yoti and k-ID. When an account is identified as potentially underage, Facebook and Instagram will deactivate it, and the account owner must verify their age to prevent deletion. This approach aims to enforce the platforms' age restrictions more effectively.
Legal and Regulatory Context
The announcement comes shortly after a New Mexico jury found Meta violated state law by misleading customers about platform safety and failing to protect children from predators. As a result, Meta must pay $375 million and may be required to implement changes, which the company has threatened to leave the state over. Additionally, Meta is expanding technology that automatically places users aged 13 to 17 into Teen Accounts on Instagram, with Facebook following suit in the US, UK, and EU by June. These accounts feature stricter content controls, block messages from strangers, and prevent users under 16 from livestreaming.
Advocacy for App Store Age Verification
In its announcement, Meta continues to advocate for age verification at the app store and operating system level, an approach gaining traction in Congress and states like California and Colorado. The company argues that such measures would provide a more comprehensive solution to underage access across all platforms.
