Instagram’s AI Can Now Catch Teens Who Lie About Their Birthdays

Instagram is expanding its use of artificial intelligence to enforce age restrictions, rolling out the feature in Canada after an initial launch in the U.S. The AI-powered system is designed to detect users who are likely under 18, even if they have listed an adult birthdate, and automatically shift them into a more protected “Teen Account” with stricter safety settings.

This expansion is part of a broader effort by Instagram’s parent company, Meta, to create safer online environments for younger users amidst growing scrutiny from parents and regulators.

How the AI Detection Works

Instagram’s AI model analyzes various signals to determine a user’s likely age. The system looks at:

• Engagement Patterns: How a user interacts with content.
• Account Creation Details: Information provided during setup.
• Social Signals: Clues such as birthday wishes in comments or direct messages.

If the AI flags a user as potentially underage, the account is automatically enrolled into a Teen Account experience. These accounts come with built-in protections, including:

• Private by Default: The account is automatically set to private, requiring user approval for new followers.
• Messaging Restrictions: Limits who can send direct messages.
• Sensitive Content Filters: Reduces exposure to potentially inappropriate or harmful content.
• Nightly Sleep Mode: Mutes notifications between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m..
• Time Limits: Sends reminders after 60 minutes of daily use.

Engaging Parents in Canada

In Canada, Instagram is also notifying parents and guardians about the age-detection measure and providing them with expert-crafted tips on discussing real ages online with their teens. This initiative is designed to encourage honest conversations and ensure teens receive the appropriate safety settings.

Recourse for Misidentification

While Instagram acknowledges that its AI may not always be accurate, users who believe they have been incorrectly flagged can appeal the decision by providing age verification. Options for verification can include uploading a government-issued ID or taking a video selfie. The company is committed to improving the system’s accuracy while prioritizing the protection of underage users.

The Road Ahead

This rollout in Canada marks another step in Instagram’s strategy to address teen safety concerns. As the company continues to expand these AI-powered features, the focus remains on balancing the creation of a safer online space with the potential for misidentification and user frustration. The success of the system will hinge on its accuracy and the transparency of its appeal process, as the platform seeks to protect its youngest users while navigating the complexities of AI-driven moderation.