Tech giant Meta recently announced a set of new features to give parents greater oversight of how their children use Facebook, Instagram, Messenger and Horizon.

This follows the company’s announcement earlier this month that it is expanding age assurance checks to filter 13-to-17-year-old users into teen accounts in the United States and other countries, following Australia’s rollout in 2025. Meta is also implementing new age checks and easier reporting of underage users to support account removals.

These changes come as Meta faces increasing pressure internationally to do more to keep kids safe on its platforms.

So what exactly are the changes? And will they likely work to reduce online harm?

Enlisting AI to search for clues

Meta’s new age checks will use “visual clues” about a user’s age, such as height and bone structure, alongside analysis of social media posts and interactions, to estimate a person’s age.

Using new techniques powered by artificial intelligence (AI), the company will scan photos, videos and content on users’ profiles – including bios, captions, and comments – to estimate their age. By looking for clues such as mentions of birthday parties or school grades, Meta plans to deactivate accounts for those believed to be under 13.

However, given the known limitations of age assurance technologies, and the compliance concerns raised with Australia’s social media ban, many........

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