Meta will use AI to analyze height and bone structure to identify if users are underage

Meta is deploying AI-powered age verification technology that analyzes physical characteristics like height and bone structure in user photos and videos to identify and remove underage users under 13, representing a significant expansion of its content moderation capabilities across Facebook, Instagram, and future platforms. This initiative reflects Meta's response to mounting regulatory pressure and legal liability from child safety lawsuits, including a recent $375 million penalty, and signals that social platforms are shifting toward more invasive but legally necessary safety measures. IT leaders should expect similar compliance-driven technology investments across the industry, requiring organizations to evaluate the privacy, ethical, and security implications of biometric-adjacent AI systems in their own platforms and supply chains.