Instagram is enhancing its AI age verification process to better support Teen Accounts, aiming to enroll more teens and ensure they provide accurate ages online. The platform is notifying parents about the importance of age verification and offering tips for discussions with their teens. Since launching Teen Accounts last year, Instagram has enrolled over 54 million teens globally, with 97% of users aged 13-15 opting to remain in protective settings, which limit contact and content exposure.
To assist parents, Instagram is sending notifications with expert advice on discussing age accuracy with their teens. The platform acknowledges the challenges parents face in navigating online safety and is committed to evolving its protective measures.
Instagram is also testing new AI technology in the US to identify and place suspected teen accounts into Teen Account settings, even if the accounts list an adult birthday. This approach marks a significant shift in how the platform uses AI for age verification, with a focus on accuracy and the option for users to adjust their settings if needed. Recognizing that understanding online age is a broader industry challenge, Instagram emphasizes the importance of parental approval and age verification through app stores to ensure teens have appropriate online experiences.
