Meta is using AI bone structure analysis to detect and remove underaged users
Source: Engadget
Meta’s new age‑assurance approach
Meta has detailed how it is working to keep users under 13 off Facebook and Instagram. In addition to AI systems that scan textual cues—such as mentions of school grades or birthday celebrations in profiles, posts, and captions—the company is employing visual analysis techniques that examine photos and videos for additional age indicators.
“We want to be clear: this is not facial recognition. Our AI looks at general themes and visual cues, for example height or bone structure, to estimate someone’s general age; it does not identify the specific person in the image.” – Meta, blog post
If the system suspects a user is under 13, the account is deactivated. The user must then provide proof of being 13 or older to regain access; otherwise, the account is permanently removed.
Expansion to teen accounts
Meta is also extending systems that detect users aged 13‑15 to automatically place them in teen accounts, which include parental controls and other protections. The rollout will begin on Instagram in Brazil and 27 EU countries, and on Facebook in the United States before expanding to the EU and UK next month.
For WhatsApp, Meta has introduced parent‑managed accounts that allow children under 13 to use the app more safely. See the announcement on Engadget: Meta will let kids under 13 use WhatsApp with parent‑managed accounts.
Regulatory pressure
Meta faces increasing pressure from regulators to protect younger users and ensure that children under 13 are not present on Facebook and Instagram. The European Commission recently released preliminary findings of an investigation, suggesting that Meta may be in breach of the Digital Services Act for not doing enough to keep children off its platforms. The company will have an opportunity to review the findings and address the issues flagged.