Instagram Is Using AI to Check Your Age
Instagram Age Verification Options Include Artificial Intelligence Method
Instagram was back in the news after it stated that it was testing a variety of different methods to check its users’ ages. Stating that they not only wanted to comply with the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (“COPPA”), but wished to properly curate age-appropriate experiences for their users, Instagram confirmed that the use of artificial intelligence was indeed one of the methods.
Instagram Age Verification Methods
All of Instagram’s methods have its users raising their eyebrows because of preexisting issues with the platform’s management of its users’ data. The first method requires a user send a photograph of their driver’s license, or other verifiable identification card, directly to Instagram. While Instagram has stated in its policy that it will delete such information from their servers promptly, users have reported that Instagram has responded that “staffing issues” as of late is keeping them from prompt action on a number of issues.
The second method Instagram is using is called its “social vouching” process. This method has also been deployed on its sister platform, Facebook, and requires three mutual followers of the user, all three of which have to be at least eighteen (18), confirm the stated age of the user. Once initiated, the social vouching system gives the user’s followers three days to respond.
Controversial Instagram Age Verification Using AI
But the most controversial method, currently, is Instagram’s decision to use a third-party company named Yoti to verify the age of its users. Via this method, Instagram submits a user-uploaded video of the user to Yoti. Yoti then uses its artificial intelligence program to analyze the age of the person through a combination of detection of facial features and other locators in the video. In response to privacy concerns, Instagram has stated that no other information, save the video, is provided to Yoti.
For those interested in testing its algorithms, Yoti has a video demo that anyone can try. When I tried different poses with or without smiling, it gave me different results that varied a decade between, so your mileage may vary.
Key Takeaways on Instagram’s Age Verification Methods
Meta’s Instagram is in the news again after it confirmed that it was testing age verification methods for its service. Such a revelation has experts concerned because:
Meta has had a dubious track record when it comes to safeguarding its users’ sensitive information;
Instagram is sending biometric data of its users to a third-party company, Yoti, for AI verification;
Similar detection methods have been questioned when it comes to accuracy.
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