Meta, the company behind Facebook and Instagram, is rolling out an AI-powered tool to detect and remove underage users from its platforms, specifically targeting those under 13 years old.
The AI will analyze images uploaded by users, looking for signs that the account holder is a minor, such as birthday cakes with fewer than 13 candles or facial features characteristic of pre-teens.
The tech giant’s move comes as it faces growing pressure to police its platforms for underage users. A US federal regulation requires social media companies to verify users’ ages, but enforcement has been patchy.
How the AI works
The AI will use a combination of machine learning and computer vision to analyze images uploaded by users. It will look for signs such as:
- Birthday cakes with fewer than 13 candles
- Facial features characteristic of pre-teens, such as a smaller jawline or more rounded facial structure
- Other visual cues that might suggest a young age
The AI will then flag the account for human moderators to review and remove if necessary.
The ‘teen ban’ debate
Meta’s move is seen as part of a broader debate about the role of social media in the lives of teenagers. Some argue that teens should be banned from the platforms altogether, while others see social media as a valuable tool for young people.
Proponents of a social media ban for teens point to the potential risks of online bullying, cyberstalking, and exposure to explicit content. Others argue that these risks can be mitigated with proper parental controls and education.
What this means
For parents, this means that they need to be more vigilant about what their kids are posting on social media – especially when it comes to birthday photos. The AI-powered tool may not be foolproof, but it’s another step towards keeping underage users off the platforms and safer online.
