Meta deploys AI bone structure analysis to detect and remove underaged users
The social media giant is rolling out systems that analyse height and bone structure in photos to comply with the Digital Services Act, distinct from facial recognition.
Meta has implemented artificial intelligence systems across Facebook and Instagram that analyse bone structure and visual cues in photos and videos to estimate user age. This technology aims to identify and deactivate accounts belonging to users under 13, requiring proof of age for reinstatement. The measures are being rolled out in select countries, including Brazil, the European Union, the UK, and the US, in response to regulatory pressure and an investigation by the European Commission regarding the Digital Services Act.
The company explicitly states that this system is not facial recognition. Instead, the AI looks at general themes and visual cues, such as height and bone structure, to estimate a person's general age without identifying specific individuals. By combining these visual insights with an analysis of text and interactions, such as mentions of school grades or birthday celebrations, Meta claims it can significantly increase the number of underage accounts it identifies and removes.
If the system suspects a user is under 13, the account will be deactivated. The user will then need to provide proof that they are 13 or older to get back in. Otherwise, Meta will wipe their account permanently. Simultaneously, the firm is expanding systems to automatically assign teen accounts with parental controls to users aged 13 to 15. These accounts feature stricter safeguards, such as limiting direct messages to connections and hiding harmful comments.
The rollout of this visual analysis technology is occurring in phases. The system is currently active in select countries, with the visual analysis tool extended to Facebook in the US. Plans are underway to introduce the technology to the UK and the EU in June. Meanwhile, the teen account detection system for ages 13 to 15 is being expanded to Instagram in Brazil and 27 European Union countries.
This deployment comes as Meta faces scrutiny from a number of jurisdictions to protect younger users. Last week, the European Commission released preliminary findings suggesting Meta may be in breach of the Digital Services Act for failing to adequately keep children under 13 off Facebook and Instagram. The company will have the opportunity to review the findings and attempt to remedy the issues that investigators flagged.
While Meta recently introduced parent-managed accounts on WhatsApp to allow children under 13 to use the app more safely, the new visual analysis on its core platforms marks a significant shift in enforcement. The specific list of countries where the visual analysis system is currently active has not been fully disclosed, though the broader strategy aims to address regulatory concerns through automated age estimation rather than traditional text scanning alone.
