Meta introduces AI face analysis tool to targets underage profiles
Improved accuracy remains the goal for Meta Platforms across its social apps
Meta Platforms is introducing a new artificial intelligence-powered system designed to analyse faces in photos and videos to estimate the ages of teenage users on Facebook and Instagram.
This initiative aims to strengthen online safety measures as regulators in Europe, Brazil, and the United States increase pressure on social media companies to protect younger audiences.
The company has assured stakeholders that the tool is specifically designed to identify underage users more accurately, ensuring those between 13 and 18 receive age-appropriate content recommendations.
The tech giant clarified that it does not utilise facial recognition technology for this specific purpose, as the software is not capable of identifying individuals.
Instead, Meta uses visible indicators and artificial intelligence algorithms to estimate age based on behavioural and textual inputs, such as posts, comments, captions, and profile activity.
By adding image and video analysis to its existing techniques, Meta believes it can significantly improve the overall accuracy of age estimation and prevent users from being deceptive about their birth dates.
"The tool is designed to identify underage users more accurately," a spokesperson noted, adding that it will help maintain strict safety settings for the platform’s youngest members.
While Meta conceded that some inputs may be missed using traditional techniques, the integration of facial analysis represents a proactive step in content moderation.
This development follows a series of updates aimed at providing a safer digital environment for children.
Moving forward, the company plans to continue refining these algorithms as global safety standards for minors on the internet continue to evolve.