Meta has announced a new initiative leveraging artificial intelligence to enhance age verification on its platforms, specifically targeting users under 13 years old. This innovative approach involves analyzing photos and videos for visual indicators, such as height and bone structure, to assess a user's age. The company clarified that this method does not utilize facial recognition technology but focuses on general visual cues.
In a recent blog post, Meta stated, "Our AI examines overall themes and visual signals to estimate a user's age, without identifying the individual in the image." By integrating these visual assessments with a comprehensive analysis of user interactions and text, Meta aims to significantly boost the identification and removal of underage accounts.
Currently, this visual analysis system is being tested in select countries, with plans for a broader implementation in the near future. This initiative is part of Meta's ongoing commitment to safeguarding younger users on its platforms. The company employs AI to scrutinize entire user profiles for contextual hints, such as birthday celebrations or school-related mentions across various formats, including posts, comments, and bios.
Should the AI determine that a user might be underage, their account will be deactivated. To retain access, the user must successfully complete Meta's age verification process, ensuring that accounts are not arbitrarily deleted.
This announcement follows a recent court ruling in New Mexico, where a jury mandated Meta to pay substantial penalties for allegedly misleading consumers regarding the safety of its platforms and the associated risks to children. In light of this, the company is under pressure to implement significant changes.
In addition to age verification, Meta is expanding its "Teen Accounts" feature on Instagram to 27 countries, including those in the EU and Brazil. These accounts provide a more secure experience for younger users, such as limiting direct messages to only those they follow and hiding harmful comments by default.
Moreover, the company is set to introduce similar protections on Facebook in the U.S., followed by the U.K. and EU in the coming months. This comprehensive approach signifies a pivotal shift towards a safer online environment for younger audiences.
As technology continues to evolve, Meta's proactive measures in age verification could set new standards in online safety, potentially reshaping how social media platforms protect their younger users in the future.