Facebook and Instagram are using AI bone analysis to identify photos of children

Facebook and Instagram have a new way to identify and remove users under 13: AI bone structure analysis. In Tuesday’s blog postMeta – the parent company of Facebook and Instagram – says its AI system will analyze photos and videos sent to its platforms for “multiple themes and textures,” including height and bone structure.

“We want to make it clear: this is not facial recognition,” says Meta in a blog post, adding that it “does not identify the person in the photo.” The plan is part of Meta’s efforts to keep children under the age of 13 off its platforms, and to review posts, comments, bios, and captions for “information” that someone may be underage.

Meta’s powered facial recognition, which is only available in “select” countries including the US ahead of the big rollout, looks like the facial recognition technology offered by age verification services like Yoti and k-ID. Facebook and Instagram will block accounts deemed to be underage, and owners will be required to verify their age to avoid removal.

Separately, Meta is expanding the technology used by Instagram to automatically identify and place users between 13 and 18 in the Youth Account. This accounts come with standard controlsblock messages from strangers, and block users under 16 from following. Instagram released the tech in 2024and now Facebook will do the same for users in the US, followed by a rollout in the UK and EU in June.