What to know

  • Instagram is using artificial intelligence to identify users under 18 who may have lied about their age.
  • Suspected minors are automatically switched to Teen Accounts, which have stricter privacy and content controls.
  • Parents receive notifications and guidance on discussing age honesty with their teens.
  • Users can verify their age if they are mistakenly categorized as teens.

Instagram has started using artificial intelligence to detect users who may be under 18 but have registered as adults. This move aims to ensure that minors are automatically placed into Teen Accounts, which come with enhanced privacy settings and content restrictions.

The company’s AI system analyzes various signals, such as the type of content a user interacts with, their profile information, and how other users engage with them, especially around birthdays.

For example, if an account receives messages like "Happy 15th birthday," the AI may flag the account as belonging to a minor, even if the listed age says otherwise.

Teen Accounts on Instagram are private by default. They restrict who can send direct messages, limit exposure to sensitive content, and include features like notifications after 60 minutes of use and a sleep mode that silences notifications at night.

Image Credits: Meta

These measures are designed to protect younger users from unwanted contact and potentially harmful material.

If the AI system mistakenly categorizes an adult as a teen, the user has the option to verify their age and revert to a standard account. Instagram acknowledges that errors can occur and has provided a process for users to correct their account status.

Additionally, parents of teens will receive notifications with advice on how to talk to their children about the importance of providing accurate age information online.

This initiative comes as social media companies face increasing scrutiny over the safety and well-being of young users. Instagram’s approach reflects a broader industry trend toward using technology to enforce age-appropriate experiences and comply with evolving regulations around online child safety.

Via: lifehacker