Ing. Pietro Maiorana
Meta has announced the global extension of its artificial intelligence technology that identifies teenagers on Instagram who have an adult birthday on their profile. Suspicious accounts are placed into Teen Accounts. According to Meta, it affects millions more young people. It matters because it shifts age control from self-declaration to automatic estimation, with consequences for privacy, parents and anyone communicating with young users.
A few terms before we get into the facts. Teen Accounts are profiles with built-in protections on contacts, content and time spent. Age assurance refers to the set of methods used to determine a person's real age. Age estimation is the AI calculation of the probability that a user is a minor. Age range signal is the data an app store passes to developers when a parent has set up their child's phone. Rollout is the gradual release of a feature.
What did Meta announce?
In its official announcement Meta explains that it uses AI to find people it suspects are teenagers, even with an adult birthday, and to place them under protections. The company says it is encouraged by the results and therefore extends the technology globally on Instagram.
The rollout continues on Facebook. On Threads, again according to Meta, a similar technology will arrive by the end of the year. The Verge recalls that the updates had already started last year in the United States, the European Union and Brazil.
How does the AI work out that a user is a minor?
According to The Verge, the tools look for signals indicating whether the user is under 18. These include the profiles and content they interact with, birthday wishes they receive, and "general themes and visual clues" in the photos and videos they upload, including height and bone structure.
The system is used to remove those believed to be under 13, the minimum age for Meta accounts, and to place 13 to 17 year olds under the more restrictive Teen Accounts. The portal 9to5Mac recalls an embarrassing precedent, a twelve year old who reportedly fooled the system by drawing a moustache with an eyebrow pencil.
What changes for a teen account?
For The Verge, Teen Accounts are private by default, limit the content visible and prevent strangers from sending direct messages. Parents can choose to supervise the account, set time limits and see how their child uses Instagram.
Those 16 or younger cannot change the settings without a parent's or guardian's permission. In the United States, Meta explains, this month parents will see a video in their feed explaining the approach, with a link to an article by Larry Magid of ConnectSafely. The article is available to parents worldwide.
Why does Meta bring Apple and the app stores into it?
In Australia Meta already uses Apple's age range signal. When a parent sets up their child's smartphone, the app store can confirm the age and pass it to the developer on every download. HDblog also explains this.
Meta argues that as long as collection and use remain optional, teens will have inconsistent protections across apps. It therefore calls for verification at the app store level with parental consent and invites TikTok and YouTube to adopt similar practices. These are partisan positions, and should be read as such.
Limits to know
No error rates are known, nor how many accounts have actually been identified. The positive results are claimed by Meta without independent data. The sources do not say when or how the system will operate in Italy. The Verge reports that Meta has not clarified whether and when the automatic checks on Facebook, which started in the United States in May, will reach other regions. Doubts also remain about the analysis of photos and videos.
What changes for those working in digital
If you manage Instagram profiles for a business that speaks to a young audience, expect that some accounts with a declared adult age will be restricted. Reach and direct messages may change. Those building apps should follow the topic of app store age range signals, as it could become a requirement. The issue of age verification also remains open in Europe, as we covered when discussing the generational tobacco ban in the United Kingdom. If you make apps, it is worth designing them with these signals in mind.
Our take
The idea of protecting minors is commendable, but the approach is only partly convincing. Meta presents itself as a model and asks others to adapt, while pushing responsibility onto Apple and the app stores. An estimate based also on physical appearance and behavior raises privacy questions that the announcement does not address. Moreover, the extension comes after an agreement with 52 American attorneys general, so it is not purely a voluntary choice. Verifiable data from third parties will be needed.
Frequently asked questions
Does Meta use AI to check age in Italy too?
Meta declares a global extension on Instagram, so Italy is included. The sources do not, however, indicate timing and methods for each country. It is best to watch for follow-up announcements.
What happens to a user suspected of being a minor?
They are placed into Teen Accounts. If the AI believes they are under 13, according to The Verge the account is removed.
Does the AI use photos to estimate age?
Yes, in part. According to The Verge, the signals include general themes and visual clues from photos and videos, such as height and bone structure.
What is Apple's age range signal?
It is information the app store passes to developers. If a parent has set up their child's phone, the app receives the age range. Meta already uses it in Australia.
Will Facebook and Threads also get these checks?
Yes, according to Meta. The rollout continues on Facebook, and Threads will follow by the end of the year.
What to watch after the global extension of AI age estimation
The real test will show in the coming months, through data on effectiveness and the stance of app stores. European rules remain unresolved.
- Check whether Apple and Google make the age signal mandatory for developers.
- Look for independent reports on errors and false positives of the estimation system.
- Verify when the checks arrive on Threads by the end of the year.
Sources
- about.fb.com, Expanding Teen Account Protections to Teens Around the World
- 9to5mac.com, Teens and parents can expect Instagram notifications about AI age estimation
- hdblog.it, Meta usa l'AI per riconoscere i minorenni su Instagram in tutto il mondo
- theverge.com, Instagram’s AI age detection is expanding globally
