Instagram is looking into new ways for teenagers to verify their age and adhere to platform policies.
As a new age-verification method, the Meta-owned app is testing video selfies with facial analysis software.
Some Instagram users attempt to circumvent the 13+ age restriction by editing their date of birth to appear older than 18.
However, US teens who attempt this will now be given three options for age verification: upload ID, ask three adult users to vouch for them, or take a video selfie.
Meta hopes that the new methods will provide teens with a “age-appropriate experience” on Instagram.
The tech behemoth has previously been chastised for teen and child safety on its platforms.
In response to leaks from Facebook whistleblower Frances Haugen, several US states investigated Instagram last year over children’s experiences on the photo-sharing app.
The trial is encouraging, according to Will Gardner OBE, chief executive of Childnet and director of the UK Safer Internet Centre: “The potential is there to try and help protect children from content that isn’t for them and make their internet experience more age-appropriate.”
According to the 5Rights Foundation, a UK-based organisation dedicated to child safety in the digital age, such efforts are “long overdue.”
Platforms should “leave behind the ‘don’t look, don’t see attitude’ that has put millions of children at risk,” according to 5Rights, adding that “merely knowing the age of your users is not enough.”
Earlier this month, parents and guardians of teen Instagram users were given additional tools to monitor their child’s Instagram experience.
They can now set time limits and view details of any reports made by their child on the platform.
