By Lydia Gichuki
Meta owned Instagram is now testing a number of new methods for age verification targeting teens. The methods will include uploading ID, video selfie and social vouching.
For those who opt to use video selfie they will follow instructions on their screen to guide them. This method will utilize AI software where the user uploads a video selfie and the software will judge their age.
The AI software will study the footage and check for a number of parameters, and then determine whether one is indeed over the age of 18 years.
Those using social vouching will have to ask mutual followers to confirm how old they are. The person vouching must be at least 18 years old, must not be vouching for anyone else at that time and will need to meet other safeguards put in place.
This move aims at curbing use of fake ID by teens while opening their Instagram accounts. In the past year Instagram has faced investigations regarding the app’s impact on teens in the United State. It was accused of being toxic to teen girls, worsening their body image and mental health.
Children who try to change their date of birth on Instagram to say they’re adults will be asked to verify their age.
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Instagram has in the past faced criticism from parents and patrons over the fact that people had to upload IDs, given Meta’s past accusations of using and selling peoples’ data.
These Instagram’s new tools won’t catch younger users who’ve already told the platform they’re adults. The app requires people to be at least 13 years old to sign up,
Instagram has partnered with Yoti, for this initiative, a company that specializes in privacy-preserving ways to verify age.
Photo Credit; Instagram
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