Meta is now automatically flagging and reassigning Instagram accounts of underage users who lie about their age to access adult features.
The tech giant now automatically pushes suspected teen users into “Teen Accounts,” even if their profile says they’re adults. This is quietly done behind the scenes and if the system catches a whiff of dishonesty, it places them under stricter settings that limit exposure, contacts, and content access.
Meta says the aim is to prevent underage users from bypassing safeguards. The technology being used overrides the stated age if there’s evidence to suggest the user is actually a teen.
The company hasn’t disclosed all the detection methods, but some are obvious—birthday posts from friends, user reports, and activity patterns. A profile showing “Happy 16th Birthday” while claiming to be 21 is a red flag.
If someone is wrongly categorised, they can still update their settings. But there are limits. Teen users under 16 need parental approval to make significant changes.
“The digital world continues to evolve and we have to evolve with it,” Meta wrote in a blog post. “That’s why it’s important that we work together with parents to make sure as many teens as possible have the protective settings that come with Teen Accounts.”
Meta is also alerting parents. Notifications are being sent out to encourage them to review their children’s account details and confirm birthdates. The company is working with child development experts to guide these conversations.
According to Meta, over 54 million teens are now enrolled in Teen Accounts. Among users aged 13 to 15, 97% have stayed within those settings. Meta claims the feedback has been largely positive. “Parents and teens alike are telling us that they are happy with this new, reimagined experience,” the company said. Over 90% of parents surveyed reportedly support the protections.
Truly, managing young people online can be stressful, and companies like Meta are under pressure. Between governments, watchdogs, and frustrated parents, the demand for safer digital spaces is real.
But while detecting underage accounts on Instagram might sound like a step in the right direction, how much autonomy do young users really have? Can technology truly read between the lines when people lie?
