Facebook and Instagram are stepping up their efforts to keep kids under 13 off their platforms by using AI to analyze bone structure in photos. Why does this matter? Well, it’s all about making social media safer for the younger crowd.
Meta, the parent company of both platforms, announced that their AI system will scan photos and videos for clues like height and bone structure to identify underage users. And, just to be clear, this isn’t facial recognition; it’s more about picking up general visual cues. The goal is to deactivate accounts if users are underage, with the option to verify age to avoid deletion.
This new AI tool is rolling out in the US and a few other countries first, with plans to expand. It comes on the heels of a hefty $375 million fine against Meta for failing to protect kids online, so it’s a big deal for the company. Meanwhile, Meta is also pushing for age verification at the app store level, which is gaining support in places like California and Colorado.
For more on Meta’s efforts and how tech can be a double-edged sword, check out our articles on Sony’s new DRM and how AI is changing the music scene. Keep an eye on how this AI rollout affects your social media experience, especially if you’ve got younger users in the house.
Photo by Sanket Mishra on Pexels
