Instagram Implements AI-Powered Age Verification
Meta Platforms, the parent company of Instagram, announced on Monday that it is beginning to test the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to determine if users are misrepresenting their ages on the platform. This move comes as social media companies face increasing scrutiny over their impact on the mental health and well-being of younger users.
Enhanced Age Verification Measures
Instagram will now “proactively” use AI to identify teen accounts that may belong to users who entered incorrect birthdates during signup. If the AI determines that a user is misrepresenting their age, the account will automatically be converted to a teen account, which comes with additional restrictions. These teen accounts are private by default, and users can only receive private messages from people they follow or are already connected to. The platform will also limit “sensitive content,” such as videos of fights or those promoting cosmetic procedures.
Additional Safety Features for Teen Users
Teen users will receive notifications if they spend more than 60 minutes on Instagram, and a “sleep mode” will be enabled between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m., turning off notifications and sending auto-replies to direct messages. Meta trains its AI to look for signals such as the type of content an account interacts with, profile information, and account creation date to determine the user’s age.
Industry-Wide Scrutiny and Response
The implementation of these measures comes amid growing concerns about the impact of social media on younger users’ mental health. Several states are attempting to pass age verification laws, although these efforts have faced legal challenges. Meta and other social media companies support placing the responsibility on app stores to verify users’ ages, citing criticism that they don’t do enough to ensure their products are safe for children or verify that users are at least 13 years old.
Parental Involvement
Instagram will also send notifications to parents with information on how to discuss the importance of providing accurate age information online with their teens. This move aims to increase parental awareness and involvement in their children’s online activities.
By Barbara Ortutay
