Meta deploys AI age verification system across social platforms

Meta Platforms is implementing an automated age verification system powered by artificial intelligence across its social media services, starting with Instagram this month. The technology will scan user accounts to determine whether users meet minimum age requirements for platform access, marking a shift toward automated compliance mechanisms rather than relying solely on user-provided information during registration.

The AI-driven system represents Meta's effort to address longstanding regulatory concerns about the protection of minors on social platforms. By automating age checks, the company aims to prevent underage users from accessing age-restricted features and content. The verification process is expected to improve the accuracy of age screening compared to traditional methods that depend on users self-reporting their dates of birth.

Following its initial deployment on Instagram, Meta intends to extend the age verification system to Facebook and Threads, the company's Twitter rival launched last year. The rollout reflects broader industry pressure from regulators and child safety advocates demanding stronger protections for younger users on social networks.

Meta has faced ongoing scrutiny from governments and advocacy groups over its handling of minor safety issues. The introduction of automated verification tools represents one of several measures the technology giant has undertaken to strengthen protections for underage users and comply with evolving regulatory frameworks globally.