Meta has rolled out an expanded AI system to identify underage users across its platforms.
The move comes as the company increases efforts to strengthen child safety on Facebook and Instagram.
The new system analyzes photos and videos to estimate a user’s age. It looks at physical indicators such as bone structure and height.
In addition, the AI scans profile activity for contextual signals. These include birthday posts, school-related content, and other clues that may indicate a user’s age.
Meta has clarified that this technology is not facial recognition, distinguishing it from biometric identification systems.
Accounts identified as belonging to users under 13 are automatically deactivated.
To restore access, users must verify their age within a set timeframe. This can be done using a government-issued ID or through facial age estimation tools provided by Yoti.
The same process applies to users who attempt to bypass restrictions by changing their age from under 18 to over 18.
Rollout expands across key regions
The visual scanning feature is currently active on Instagram in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia.
Meta is now expanding the system to Brazil and 27 European Union countries. Facebook in the US is receiving these protections this month, with the UK and EU set to follow in June.
The company aims to extend Instagram coverage worldwide by the end of 2026.
Gradual global implementation
While the visual scanning feature is limited to select regions, other components of the system are already global.
Profile-based contextual analysis has been rolled out worldwide, allowing Meta to detect age-related signals without relying on image scanning.
Meta began using AI in 2024 to identify teenage users. The company claims the system has placed hundreds of millions into protected “Teen Accounts,” including users who attempted to bypass safeguards.
However, these figures have not been independently verified.
The development comes after a jury in New Mexico found Meta liable for failing to protect children from predators on its platforms. The ruling ordered $375 million in damages under the state’s Unfair Practices Act.
Meta has not confirmed whether the expanded rollout is directly linked to the case.
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