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Instagram Tests AI to Detect Teens Misstating Ages and Enforce Safety Settings

Meta's new AI tool automatically places flagged accounts into Teen Accounts, enhancing protections for younger users.

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Overview

  • Instagram has begun testing AI-powered tools in the U.S. to identify teenagers who falsely claim to be adults and automatically move them into Teen Accounts.
  • Teen Accounts include default privacy settings, restricted messaging, limited exposure to sensitive content, and reminders for screen time management.
  • Meta has enrolled over 54 million teens globally into these accounts, with 97% of 13- to 15-year-olds retaining the protective settings.
  • Parents will receive notifications with guidance on discussing the importance of accurate age disclosure with their teens.
  • Users incorrectly flagged by the AI can review and adjust their account settings if necessary, ensuring flexibility in case of misclassification.