Meta has introduced an AI-powered system to detect underage users falsely claiming adult ages on Instagram. This technology automatically flags suspicious accounts and moves them into restricted "Teen Accounts," enforcing stricter content and messaging protections for users under 16.

How It Works

Rather than relying solely on self-reported birthdates, Instagram’s AI analyzes user activity—such as birthday messages and peer interactions—to assess whether a teen has misrepresented their age. Once flagged, the account is transitioned into the Teen Account category without user consent. These accounts restrict who can message the user and limit exposure to certain content, ensuring a safer browsing experience.

Parental Alerts & Expanding Protections

Meta is also planning parental notifications, encouraging guardians to verify birthdates on their children's accounts. These measures align with broader efforts to safeguard younger users, following the expansion of Teen Accounts to Facebook and Messenger.

With over 54 million teen users already enrolled in the Teen Account system, Meta continues evolving its digital safety strategy to uphold responsible online engagement for younger audiences.