Instagram is strengthening measures to protect minors on the platform, using artificial intelligence to identify users who lie about their age. If someone is found to have provided a false age, their account will automatically switch to teen mode, with stricter privacy settings.
Teen accounts are private by default, messages are limited to known contacts, and sensitive content is filtered. Users will also receive reminders if they spend more than 60 minutes on the app, and notifications will automatically turn off at night.
Meta, Instagram's parent company, is testing these features as part of efforts to increase online safety and meet growing regulatory requirements. The company will also provide parents with guidance on how to talk to children about the importance of providing accurate age information.
These measures come amid heightened concerns about the impact of social media on the mental health of young people and legal efforts to strengthen their protections online.
