Meta expands AI age checks globally for teens

Meta is expanding its AI age estimation technology globally to move millions of Instagram teens into restricted accounts. The move comes as the tech giant faces multiple lawsuits alleging its platforms harm young users.

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Meta logo in this illustration taken November 6, 2026. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration

META PLATFORMS INC-CLASS A will expand its AI age-estimation technology globally on Monday, moving millions of Instagram teens into protective accounts despite adult-declared birthdays. The rollout escalates security measures as the tech giant faces multiple lawsuits alleging its platforms harm young users. The expansion follows settlements totaling up to $18B with nearly every U.S. state and territory over youth safety concerns.