Meta deploys AI to analyze height and bone structure for underage detection
meta launched ai tools to detect underage users by analyzing physical traits like height and bone structure in photos and videos. the system, which meta claims is not facial recognition, combines visual analysis with text interaction data to identify and remove accounts for users under 13. the rollout follows a $375 million civil penalty judgment in new mexico and accompanies expanded 'teen accounts' with stricter safeguards in the eu, brazil, and the us.
Meta deployed a new AI system to scan user photos and videos for physical indicators of age, such as height and bone structure. The company explicitly stated this technology does not use facial recognition but analyzes general visual cues combined with textual context to identify users under 13, resulting in immediate account deactivation pending age verification. This move follows a recent New Mexico court order mandating platform changes after Meta was fined $375 million for failing to protect children.
Concurrently, Meta expanded its automatic "Teen Accounts" restrictions to 27 countries including the EU and Brazil. These accounts default to private settings and limit message receipts to known contacts. The company also plans to extend these automated safety measures to Facebook in the U.S., U.K., and EU by June, and to Instagram Live and Facebook Groups in the future.