Published on Jun 24, 2022
Starting with users in the United States, Instagram is testing new ways to verify users’ ages on its platform.
As part of its tests, Meta Platforms Inc’s photo-sharing service is also letting users upload their identity proof online in order to verify their age.
Meta’s director of data governance, Erica Finkle, says in a blog post that when kids are identified as teens (13-17), teens get age-appropriate experiences, including defaulting to private accounts, preventing unwanted contact from adults they don’t know, and limiting advertising options.
The social network announced its partnership with Yoti, a company specializing in online age verification.
The technology estimates a user’s age using facial features based on a video selfie uploaded by the user. After the age is verified, Instagram will delete both Meta and Yoti’s images.
A person can also verify a user’s age by selecting three mutual followers, who must be at least 18 years old.
As a result of criticism and opposition to Instagram Kids, Instagram paused its launch last year.
U.S. lawmakers and advocacy groups urged Instagram to abandon plans to launch Instagram Kids, citing safety concerns, despite the fact that it required parental permission to join.
