The tool will utilize various signals, such as birthday messages, to assess user age, and will automatically transition users flagged as underage to stricter Teen Account settings.

Meta had already implemented some restrictions for underage users prior to the rollout of Teen Accounts, responding to pressure from lawmakers and parents.

Users suspected of being underage will need to verify their identity through methods such as uploading an ID or submitting a video selfie to Yoti, a facial recognition service.

Meta has indicated that users incorrectly classified as teenagers will have the option to appeal their classification, although the appeal process is still being refined.

Meta is set to launch an AI tool designed to detect age misrepresentation among teenage users on Instagram, enhancing user safety and addressing concerns from parents and regulators.

This new 'adult classifier' software will categorize users as older or younger than 18 by analyzing account data, follower lists, and content interactions, with implementation planned for next year.

These measures are part of Meta's broader effort to combat age misrepresentation and improve protections for young users, especially in light of ongoing lawsuits concerning the mental health impacts of social media.

This initiative comes amid increasing scrutiny from regulators and lawmakers regarding social media's influence on teenagers, prompting Meta's commitment to enhancing online safety.

The AI-powered age verification system relies on extensive user data while aiming to respect privacy, with the company advocating for app stores to take on more responsibility for age verification.

Overall, Meta's initiative represents a significant advancement in age verification practices within the tech industry, aiming to protect vulnerable online populations.

Despite these efforts, Instagram continues to face criticism for allowing users to easily falsify their ages and access inappropriate content, highlighting the ongoing challenges in youth protection.