Meta Deploying AI to Scan Body Structure for Age Verification

Meta is implementing a new artificial intelligence system designed to estimate a user's age by analyzing physical characteristics like height and bone structure. The visual analysis tool is part of an ongoing effort to verify that users are of legal age to use the company's social media platforms. Currently, the system is operational in select countries, but Meta intends to expand the technology globally in the coming months.

The move marks a departure from traditional birthday-entry systems, which are easily bypassed by minors. By utilizing computer vision to assess biological markers, Meta hopes to create a more robust barrier against underage accounts while maintaining a seamless user experience. The company claims the technology is specifically aimed at enhancing safety and ensuring that younger users receive age-appropriate content and privacy settings.

However, the rollout is likely to spark intense scrutiny regarding biometric privacy and data security. Watchdogs and regulators are expected to monitor how Meta stores and processes physical data captured during this verification process. As the rollout expands, the accuracy of the AI model across different ethnicities and growth patterns will be a key point of evaluation.

TechCrunch reports that this initiative is part of a broader push by Meta to address long-standing criticisms regarding child safety on its platforms.