A Kid With a Fake Mustache Tricked an Online Age-Verification Tool

Meta is expanding AI-based age checks on Instagram and Facebook to spot users under 13 using photos, videos, bios, comments, and activity signals.

Suspected child accounts will be removed or suspended until age is revalidated, while some 13- to 15-year-olds will be shifted into stricter teen accounts.

The rollout is expanding to Brazil, EU countries, and Facebook users in the U.S. after criticism that children can evade existing age protections.

The move is aimed at reducing underage access and easing regulatory pressure over weak safety controls, including under the EU’s Digital Services Act.