What's changing
Meta is now applying its AI system for estimating Instagram users' ages on a global scale. The goal is to identify users under 18 who have not reported their age accurately.
How the system works
Age estimation relies on signals such as the profiles and types of content a user interacts with, birthday messages they receive, and general visual cues from uploaded photos. In other words, the system weighs behavioral and visual signals alongside the age a user provides.
What it means
According to Meta, the expansion will automatically place "millions more teens" into Teen Account protections, which are designed to offer a more restricted experience for minors.
Background
The age assurance features were first launched in the US, EU and Brazil last year. The new announcement covers their worldwide rollout.
