Meta Enhances Teen Safety with AI-Driven Age Detection for Account Enrollment
Meta is intensifying its efforts to ensure younger users are utilizing the dedicated teen accounts available on Instagram, Facebook, and Messenger. A new initiative involves deploying artificial intelligence in the US to identify users who may be under the age of 18, even if they have misrepresented their age.
This AI-powered system aims to detect discrepancies in reported ages and, when a user is suspected of being a teen, prompt them to transition to a teen account. Meta emphasizes the measures taken to ensure the accuracy of this age-detection technology. However, recognizing the potential for errors, users flagged by the AI will have the option to retain their adult account settings.
While Meta has previously employed AI for age verification, the company considers this application a "big change," marking a significant step towards prioritizing the safety and privacy of its younger users.
Teen Account Features and Impact
The introduction of teen accounts on Instagram last fall, followed by their expansion to Facebook and Messenger, brought enhanced privacy settings and parental controls to the forefront. These accounts are automatically configured to private settings, restricting teens from communicating with unknown individuals.
Meta reports that over 54 million teens have been enrolled in these accounts, with an impressive 97 percent of users aged 13 to 15 choosing to maintain these settings. It's important to note that users under 16 require parental consent to opt out of teen accounts.
Furthermore, surveys indicate that over 90 percent of parents believe that teen accounts have played a crucial role in safeguarding their children's online experiences on Instagram.
Promoting Accurate Age Reporting
In parallel with the AI-driven age detection, Meta will now send notifications to parents on Instagram, providing resources and guidance on discussing the importance of accurate age reporting with their teens. The goal is to encourage users to enroll in teen accounts and benefit from the associated safety measures.
Meta is also actively pursuing additional avenues to ensure age-appropriate experiences for all users. This includes advocating for federal legislation that would mandate parental permission for app downloads by individuals under the age of 16.
The initiative reflects Meta's commitment to user safety and to create a secure environment for teenagers navigating its platforms.
Source: Engadget