Instagram Introduces AI to Identify Teens
Instagram is testing artificial intelligence in Canada to identify teens who sign up with adult birthdays. The platform’s AI model analyzes account activity and interactions to estimate a user’s age.
By studying patterns in how users engage with content, Instagram can predict whether an account likely belongs to a teen or an adult. This technology strengthens safety measures and ensures teens have age-appropriate experiences on the platform.
How the AI Model Works
The AI considers multiple data points, including:
Account creation dates
Interactions with other profiles
Types of content engaged with
Since users in the same age group tend to interact with content similarly, the AI can calculate the likelihood that someone is a teen or an adult.
Teen Accounts and Safety Features
If Instagram suspects a teen is posing as an adult, the platform automatically moves the user into a teen account. Teen accounts include several protections:
Limited who can contact them
Restrictions on content visibility
Time controls to manage screen usage
These measures build on Instagram’s 2022 initiative to safeguard young users and prevent them from seeing inappropriate content.
Detecting Age Misrepresentation
Instagram has previously caught users lying about their age, including cases where:
A teen initially entered a correct birthdate but later changed it to an adult one
Users reported an adult age but received birthday wishes that revealed they were minors
The AI aims to prevent such discrepancies and enforce the platform’s safety standards consistently.
The Broader Goal
By using AI to identify teen users, Instagram hopes to provide a safer and more tailored experience. It reduces the risk of harmful interactions and ensures content is suitable for younger audiences.
The Takeaway
Instagram’s AI model in Canada strengthens teen safety by detecting underage users in adult accounts. The platform continues to expand protections and refine its approach.
Stay tuned to Maple Wire for the latest updates on social media safety and AI technology.
