Instagram's age verification process has been put to the test in a recent experiment that aimed to understand how it would handle users who attempt to deceive the system by changing their date of birth. The platform's algorithm is designed to quickly identify adults over 16 years old, but what happens when a 13-year-old tries to mimic this behavior?
In one test account, set up with an age of 15, Instagram sent a notification stating that due to Australia's social media ban for children, the account would be deactivated until the user turns 16. The platform then presented two options: either download the account data and prepare for it to be deactivated or review the date of birth.
Choosing the latter option allowed the test user to take a "video selfie" to prove their age. The app accessed the front-facing camera, requiring the test user - an adult with thick facial hair - to move their head from side to side, similar to the verification method used for face-unlock on smartphones.
However, when a 13-year-old set up a new account using a date of birth clearly showing they were under 16 and then attempted to change it to one of an adult, Instagram's algorithm was unable to verify their age. The platform stated "we couldn't confirm your age" within a minute and requested government ID to confirm the user's date of birth.
Facial age testing data showed that people over 21 would generally be less likely to have issues with being declared over 16. However, those closer to 16 as well as minority groups were shown to have higher false positive or false negative rates.
Meta's use of Yoti for its age assurance has raised concerns about the accuracy of the system. The company states that facial images are deleted after the check is completed. Nevertheless, the platform's inability to verify a 13-year-old's age highlights potential issues with its algorithm.
As the social media ban comes into effect in Australia on December 10, concerns have been raised about teething issues. Communications Minister Anika Wells acknowledged that the law would not be perfect but emphasized its importance.
The ban will affect Meta's Facebook, Instagram, and Threads platforms, among others. With an estimated 2 million Australians under 16 using social media, this new regulation is likely to impact many young users.
In one test account, set up with an age of 15, Instagram sent a notification stating that due to Australia's social media ban for children, the account would be deactivated until the user turns 16. The platform then presented two options: either download the account data and prepare for it to be deactivated or review the date of birth.
Choosing the latter option allowed the test user to take a "video selfie" to prove their age. The app accessed the front-facing camera, requiring the test user - an adult with thick facial hair - to move their head from side to side, similar to the verification method used for face-unlock on smartphones.
However, when a 13-year-old set up a new account using a date of birth clearly showing they were under 16 and then attempted to change it to one of an adult, Instagram's algorithm was unable to verify their age. The platform stated "we couldn't confirm your age" within a minute and requested government ID to confirm the user's date of birth.
Facial age testing data showed that people over 21 would generally be less likely to have issues with being declared over 16. However, those closer to 16 as well as minority groups were shown to have higher false positive or false negative rates.
Meta's use of Yoti for its age assurance has raised concerns about the accuracy of the system. The company states that facial images are deleted after the check is completed. Nevertheless, the platform's inability to verify a 13-year-old's age highlights potential issues with its algorithm.
As the social media ban comes into effect in Australia on December 10, concerns have been raised about teething issues. Communications Minister Anika Wells acknowledged that the law would not be perfect but emphasized its importance.
The ban will affect Meta's Facebook, Instagram, and Threads platforms, among others. With an estimated 2 million Australians under 16 using social media, this new regulation is likely to impact many young users.
like what even is the point of having an age verification system if it can't even tell when a 13-year-old tries to lie their way in? 
I mean, I know Australia's trying to protect kids from social media ban and all but come on Instagram! how are you supposed to expect them to keep track of this stuff when your own algorithm is literally failing them at every turn?! 
like what kinda sorcery is this? accessing the front-facing camera and making people move their heads around for verification... that's just creepy 
. And let's not forget, if a 13-year-old can scam their way into an account without any issues, then what's to stop another 12-year-old from doing it next?! 
this whole thing is just a huge mess 
It's like we're living in a sci-fi movie where our faces are just an ID number.
but seriously though, it's not cool that the algorithm can't handle 13-year-olds. it's already a weird thing for kids to have their own accounts in australia anyway, and now they gotta deal with this? 
the fact that people over 21 are less likely to get false positives is wild too, what does that even mean? and yoti's use of facial images just makes me wanna check my settings again... just kidding, kinda 
? they need to be more accurate with their facial recognition or whatever algorithm they use cuz it sounds like it's not foolproof 
. I don't know about Yoti, but if meta can't get it right then maybe they should just leave the age verification up to parents or guardians 
. and btw why did instagram ask for gov id? that seems kinda invasive 
it was literally doing the problems with its paws and making everything more adorable than frustrating lol anyway back to instagram... those facial recognition tests sound super weird, what's next? using your brain waves or something? 
. That facial recognition thing? It's just not right. What if it's biased against people with darker skin or certain features? 
We need more transparency and testing to make sure these algorithms are fair and accurate.
i mean i get it they wanna make sure ppl aren't joinin with fake info but comon 13 yrs old can't even fool instagram's age thing lol meanwhile ppl under 16 are gonna be like "what do i do now" and anika wells is just over here like "it's not perfect but its necessary" 
. I mean, who wants a 13-year-old sneaking onto their platform? 
It's clear that Instagram needs to work on its algorithm, 'cause it failed miserably in this test. 
. Facial age testing is supposed to be more accurate, but it seems like there's still room for improvement 
. It's a bit concerning that the system can't distinguish between 13- and 16-year-olds accurately