Meta Deploys AI Bone Structure Analysis to Detect Underage Users on Facebook and Instagram

Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has introduced an innovative AI system that analyzes bone structure and other visual cues to identify users under the age of 13. This technology scans photos and videos for height and bone structure indicators, alongside contextual clues from posts and bios, to detect underage accounts.

This move is part of Meta’s broader effort to enhance child safety on its platforms amid growing regulatory pressure and recent legal setbacks. Unlike traditional facial recognition, Meta emphasizes that this AI does not identify individuals but focuses on general physical features to enforce age restrictions.

How Meta’s AI Bone Structure Analysis Works

Meta’s AI system evaluates photos and videos for general themes such as height and bone structure, avoiding facial recognition to respect privacy. It also scans comments, captions, and bios for contextual hints that suggest a user might be underage. Accounts flagged as under 13 are deactivated until the user verifies their age.

Expanding Teen Account Protections on Facebook and Instagram

In addition to detecting under-13 users, Meta is rolling out technology to automatically assign users aged 13 to 17 into Teen Accounts. These accounts feature stricter content controls, block messages from strangers, and restrict livestreaming for users under 16. Instagram launched this feature first, with Facebook following in the US and plans to expand to the UK and EU soon.

Legal Challenges and Regulatory Pressure Fuel Meta’s Push

Meta’s announcement comes shortly after a New Mexico jury ruled that the company violated state law by failing to protect children from online predators, resulting in a $375 million penalty. The ruling has intensified calls for stronger age verification measures across social media platforms.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Age Verification on Social Media

Meta continues to advocate for age verification at the app store and operating system level, a strategy gaining momentum in US states like California and Colorado. As lawmakers push for stricter regulations, Meta’s AI-driven approach could become a model for balancing user safety with privacy concerns.