Instagram is enhancing its Teen Accounts feature, initially launched in 2024, by introducing a new proactive technological approach alongside parent outreach campaigns. On Monday, the Meta-owned platform announced it is testing AI-driven age detection tools aimed at identifying teenagers who have falsely registered with adult birth dates. The intention is to place these users into Teen Accounts to mitigate risks of potential harassment and abuse.
Instagram to Proactively Identify Teenagers on Its Platform
In a blog post, Instagram revealed its AI tool testing aimed at recognizing teenage users on the platform. This initiative builds on previous endeavors, as the company had disclosed that algorithms would be employed to detect teenagers pretending to be adults following the initial rollout of Teen Accounts.
Indicators such as user interactions—where teenagers are more likely to follow and engage with peers—and comments referencing their birthdays, like someone wishing a “happy 14th birthday” to an account that claims the user is 20, serve as markers in this identification process. Currently, these AI tools are undergoing trials in the United States.
While details regarding the implementation of AI in age detection were not fully disclosed by Instagram, the platform emphasized its longstanding use of AI technology to classify user demographics aimed at tailoring their experience—specifically for showing age-appropriate advertisements.
Instagram AI age detection feature
Photo Credit: Instagram
Instagram acknowledges that this application of technology is a new venture and warns that AI may incorrectly categorize users as teenagers. Users who find themselves unintentionally classified in Teen Accounts will have an option to amend their settings. However, this raises concerns about the method’s overall effectiveness, as adolescents who are deliberately misrepresenting their age to bypass restrictions may resist being transitioned to Teen Accounts.
Presently, users wishing to alter their age from under 18 to over 18 must navigate through a series of verification steps, including recording a video selfie, submitting an identification card, or obtaining verification from other users. It remains unclear whether suspected teen accounts will also need to comply with these verification requirements.
In addition to this initiative, Instagram is reaching out to parents through notifications that include guidance on discussing accurate age reporting with their teenage children using social media platforms. The company collaborated with pediatric psychologists to curate these tips for effective communication.
