Meta deploys AI to scan height and bone structure for underage users

Meta has announced the deployment of an artificial intelligence system designed to scan photos and videos on Facebook and Instagram to estimate whether users are under 13. The technology focuses on visual cues such as height and bone structure to determine general age, a method the company explicitly distinguishes from facial recognition technology.

The system currently operates in select countries, with plans for a broader rollout across the platform's ecosystem. If the AI determines a user may be underage, their account will be deactivated until they verify their age through Meta's standard process. This initiative forms part of the company's wider strategy to keep children under 13 off its platforms.

In conjunction with the visual analysis tool, Meta is expanding its Teen Accounts restrictions to 27 countries in the EU and Brazil. This feature enforces stricter safeguards, such as limiting direct messages to connections and hiding harmful comments, to provide a safer environment for older minors.

The technology is also being extended to Facebook in the U.S., with plans to introduce it to the U.K. and EU in June. Meta intends to expand the visual analysis technology to additional areas of its apps, including Instagram Live and Facebook Groups, in the future.

This announcement follows a $375 million civil penalty ordered by a New Mexico jury regarding child safety. The ruling mandated fundamental changes to the platforms after the jury found Meta had misled consumers about platform safety and put children at risk.

While the specific list of countries where the visual analysis system is currently active has not been disclosed, Meta states it combines visual insights with an analysis of text and interactions. This includes looking for contextual clues such as birthday celebrations or mentions of school grades across posts, comments, bios, and captions.