Reported by Gold 101.3 FM – UAE’s No.1 Malayalam Radio Station
Meta Platforms has announced plans to expand its technology-driven safeguards for teenage users across 27 European Union countries, while also introducing these protections on Facebook in the United States for the first time.
The move comes as the company faces increasing scrutiny over how effectively it protects young users online. Governments and regulators worldwide are urging tech firms to implement stronger age-verification systems amid rising concerns about online abuse, the impact on teen mental health, and the spread of harmful AI-generated content.
Meta stated that its system, first introduced last year, is designed to proactively identify accounts that may belong to teenagers—even when users provide adult birthdates. These accounts are then automatically placed under stricter “Teen Account” protection settings.
The company confirmed that this technology will now be extended across all EU member states. Additionally, Facebook in the U.S. will begin adopting these safeguards, with further expansion to the UK and Europe expected in June.
Meta also highlighted its use of advanced artificial intelligence to improve detection of underage users. Instead of relying solely on self-reported ages, the system analyzes profile details and behavioral patterns to assess whether an account likely belongs to a minor.
To further strengthen protections, Meta is introducing enhanced measures to prevent suspected underage users from bypassing restrictions by creating new accounts.
The initiative reflects broader efforts by tech companies to respond to global pressure and ensure safer digital environments for younger audiences.
