Instagram is now adding an age checking feature for new users, anyone who signs up to a new account must be 13 years of age or older.
Instagram will now start to ask for people’s date of birth when they sign up for a new account. If you sign up using your Facebook account, it will use your date of birth from your profile.
Starting today, we will be asking for your date of birth when creating an account on Instagram. According to our Terms of Use, you must be at least 13 years old to have an account in most countries. Asking for this information will help prevent underage people from joining Instagram, help us keep young people safer and enable more age-appropriate experiences overall. Your birthday will not be visible to others on Instagram, but you’ll be able to see it when viewing your own private account information.
Why Age Verification Matters
The introduction of age verification on Instagram is a significant step towards creating a safer online environment for younger users. Social media platforms have long been scrutinized for their role in exposing minors to inappropriate content, cyberbullying, and other online dangers. By ensuring that users are at least 13 years old, Instagram aims to mitigate these risks and provide a more secure space for its community.
Moreover, age verification can help Instagram tailor its content and features to be more age-appropriate. For instance, younger users might see fewer ads or be restricted from accessing certain types of content that are deemed unsuitable for their age group. This move aligns Instagram with other social media platforms that have already implemented similar age restrictions, such as Facebook and Snapchat.
How Instagram Plans to Enforce Age Verification
While asking for a date of birth is a straightforward method, Instagram is also exploring additional ways to verify the age of its users. One potential method is the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to analyze user behavior and detect inconsistencies that might suggest a user is underage. For example, if a user claims to be 18 but frequently interacts with content aimed at much younger audiences, the system might flag this account for further review.
Another approach could involve partnerships with third-party verification services that specialize in age and identity verification. These services can provide more robust checks, such as requiring users to upload a government-issued ID. While this might seem intrusive, it could be an effective way to ensure that users are who they claim to be.
We are committed to making Instagram a safer place for everyone, especially our youngest community members. By implementing age verification, we are taking a crucial step towards achieving this goal. We will continue to explore and develop new methods to enhance the safety and security of our platform.
In addition to age verification, Instagram is also rolling out other safety features aimed at protecting younger users. These include enhanced privacy settings, the ability to restrict interactions with unknown users, and educational resources for parents and guardians. By taking a holistic approach to online safety, Instagram hopes to create a more positive and secure experience for all its users.
You can find out more details about the changes coming to Instagram over at their website at the link below.
Source Instagram
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