Although Facebook and Instagram are intended for users aged 13 and over, the age check at registration has been easy to bypass because anyone can enter any birth date. Meta has started using a new approach to identify accounts that likely belong to users under 13 — but the technique applies only to accounts that already exist and have uploaded content.
How the system works
Meta says it uses artificial intelligence to scan photos and videos uploaded by users, looking for general visual cues that can indicate approximate age. According to TechCrunch, examples of such cues include height and bone structure. The company insists this is not a facial-recognition system: the AI analyzes broad body and appearance characteristics rather than attempting to identify individuals.
Consequences and appeals
If the system concludes that an account owner is likely under 13, Meta will remove the account from Facebook or Instagram; initially, the account is deactivated rather than immediately deleted. Users have the opportunity to appeal and to provide proof that the system made an error or that they meet the minimum age requirement.
Rollout and scope
The visual analysis is currently active only in a small number of unnamed countries. Meta says it plans to expand the feature to more regions over time, but it has not provided a detailed timeline.
The move reflects Meta’s effort to address the ease with which registration-based age checks can be bypassed, by adding automated checks based on content users have already posted.
Note: descriptions of the system and the cited visual cues are based on statements from Meta and reporting by TechCrunch.
