Facebook and Instagram use AI bone structure analysis to identify photos of children

Facebook and Instagram have a new way to detect and remove users under the age of 13: bone structure analysis using artificial intelligence. in Tuesday’s postMeta — the parent company of Facebook and Instagram — says its AI system will scan photos and videos posted on its platforms for “general themes and visual cues,” including height and bone structure.

“We want to be clear: this is not facial recognition technology,” Meta says in a blog post, adding that it “does not identify the specific person in the photo.” The system is part of Meta’s efforts to keep under-13s off its platforms, and will also analyze posts, comments, bios and captions to look for “contextual clues” that someone may be underage.

Meta’s AI-powered facial analysis, which is only available in “select” countries including the US before a wider rollout, appears similar to facial scanning technology offered by age verification services like Yoti and k-ID. Facebook and Instagram will deactivate accounts that are determined to be underage, and the owner will need to verify their age to prevent them from being deleted.

Separately, Meta is expanding the technology it uses on Instagram to automatically identify users between the ages of 13 and 18 and place them in teen accounts. these Accounts come with stricter content controlsBlock messages from strangers and block users under 16 from live streaming. Instagram Technology rollout in 2024Now Facebook will do the same for users in the US, followed by a rollout in the UK and EU in June.