Meta has unveiled new AI-driven measures to identify underage users attempting to bypass age restrictions on Instagram. The company announced that artificial intelligence will now detect accounts suspected of belonging to minors who falsify their birthdates to access adult features. When such accounts are identified, Instagram automatically enrolls them into restricted “Teen Accounts,” regardless of the age listed in their profile.
Teen Accounts, introduced in 2024, enforce strict safety protocols for younger users. These include limitations on direct messaging, content visibility filters, and parental oversight requirements. Users under 16 must obtain guardian approval to modify privacy settings, ensuring adults remain involved in their online safety.
While Instagram has used age-verification AI for years, this marks its first deployment to actively transition misrepresented accounts into age-appropriate profiles. The system analyzes multiple signals, including celebratory birthday posts and user reports, to flag potential discrepancies. Meta claims the technology maintains high accuracy but allows users to appeal if incorrectly categorized.
In tandem with these changes, Instagram will notify parents about the importance of accurate age disclosure and provide resources for discussing digital safety with teens. The platform emphasizes that verifying birthdates remains crucial for maintaining protective measures, as over 54 million teens globally already use restricted accounts. Recent data shows 97% of users aged 13-15 remain in these safeguarded profiles after enrollment.
This initiative follows Meta’s recent expansion of Teen Accounts to Facebook and Messenger, reflecting broader efforts to standardize youth protection across its platforms. Company representatives stated, “As digital environments grow more complex, collaboration between platforms and families becomes essential to keep young users safe.”
