Meta’s AI scans photos for bone structure to catch underage users on Instagram and Facebook

Meta has introduced a new AI-driven system to identify and remove users under the age of 13 from its platforms, including Instagram and Facebook. The technology analyzes photos and videos to detect physical traits such as bone structure and height, which help estimate the age of users. This approach goes beyond simply relying on self-reported birthdates, which can be easily falsified, providing Meta with a more robust means of enforcing its age restrictions aimed at protecting children online.

The AI system assesses various visual cues without using facial recognition, aligning with privacy concerns while enhancing the accuracy of age verification. If the system suspects an account belongs to a user under 13, that account can be deactivated or subjected to further age verification methods such as ID checks or third-party tools like Yoti. This proactive technology reflects Meta’s response to growing regulatory and legal pressure globally to improve child safety on social media platforms.

By leveraging AI to analyze content and activity signals, Meta aims to better identify underage users who attempt to circumvent the minimum age requirement. This development is significant as it highlights how AI can support safer digital environments by automating protective measures at scale, addressing longstanding challenges around age verification in social media.