Instagram is testing age detection via video clip with partner company Yoti to protect children online. Although the software can estimate the age of the users, it is not designed to recognize their identity, Instagram emphasized.
In order to prevent children from creating accounts with web services and simply giving the wrong date of birth, Instagram wants to test age recognition.
(dpa)
Instagram is testing automatic age detection based on a selfie video in the United States. The users are asked to upload a clip, which is then evaluated by the partner company Yoti, as explained on Thursday by the photo and video platform belonging to the Facebook group Meta. After that, the video will be deleted. Although the software can estimate the age of the users, it is not designed to recognize their identity, Instagram emphasized.
The Service is only intended for users aged 13 and over. The age limit stems from US child protection regulations and online platforms are coming under increasing pressure to comply. Instagram also restricts the possibility of contact with adults and the display of advertising for users under the age of 18.
So far, it has often happened that even younger children create accounts with web services and simply enter an incorrect date of birth. If someone tries to change their age from under 18 to 18 or older, Instagram will ask them to upload an ID document. Another option for age verification should now be the selfie video. In addition, friendly users over the age of 18 may be asked to confirm their age.