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Meta will use AI to analyze height and bone structure to identify if users areunderage
Meta will use AI to analyze photos for height and bone structure to identify users under 13 on Facebook and Instagram. This measure aims to increase detection of underage accounts, complementing existing efforts. The technology is being rolled out amid legal pressure regarding child safety, following a $375 million penalty for misleading consumers about platform safety.
Key points
- Meta announced it will use AI to scan user photos/videos for clues to age, focusing on height and bone structure.
- This effort targets removing users under 13 from Facebook and Instagram.
- The system will combine visual data with text interactions for account verification.
- Currently operational in select countries with plans for a broader launch.
- A recent $375 million penalty highlights pressures on Meta regarding child safety, driving this initiative.
- The company also expands stricter account settings for teens on Instagram and Facebook.
Why it matters
- This system is part of broader concerns and measures around child safety in digital platforms.
- The announcement follows a trend of increasing government scrutiny and lawsuits against Big Tech for safeguarding minors.
- Age verification technologies are becoming crucial as online platforms face growing legal responsibilities regarding youth safety.
Meta's new AI initiative reflects a growing corporate responsibility to enhance child safety on social media, driven by legal obligations and public scrutiny, ultimately setting a precedent for the industry.