Instagram said on Thursday it is testing new options for users to verify their age on the platform, starting with people in the United States.
The photo-sharing service owned by Meta Platforms Inc. said it is testing two new ways to verify a person’s age, in addition to allowing them to upload their identity proof online.
“When we know if someone is a teen (13-17 years), we provide them with age-appropriate experiences like defaulting them into private accounts, preventing unwanted contact from adults they don’t know and limiting the options advertisers have to reach them with ads,” Erica Finkle, director of data governance at Meta, said in a blog post, according to a Reuters report.
Instagram said it has partnered with Yoti, a company that specializes in online age verification, to ensure users’ privacy.
Users can upload a video selfie to verify their age, after which Yoti’s technology estimates their age based on facial features. Both Meta and Yoti will delete the image once the age has been verified, Instagram said.
Another option is for people to select three mutual followers to confirm the user’s age, and the person vouching must be at least 18 years old.
The move comes after Instagram paused the launch of Instagram Kids last year, after receiving criticism and opposition for the project.
Instagram Kids was touted as requiring parental permission to join, and was supposed to provide ad-free, age-appropriate content, but US lawmakers and advocacy groups urged the company to drop its launch plans, citing safety concerns.
Netflix to acquire WBD for total enterprise value of $82.7bn
Madras HC halts release of ‘Akhanda 2’ in major relief for Eros International
Kevin Vaz highlights India’s content surge at Asia TV Forum 2025
Gaurav Gandhi honored as M&E visionary at CII Summit 2025
Ministry of Tourism signs MoU with Netflix to showcase India’s destinations globally
GTPL Hathway unveils ‘GTPL Infinity’, new satellite-based HITS platform
S8UL launches India’s 1st FGC Talent Hunt for Tekken 8 & Street Fighter 6
‘One Two Cha Cha Chaa’ set for theatrical release Jan 2026
Nokia, Airtel team up to open 5G network APIs for India’s developers
Meta signs new deals with news outlets to boost AI
Prime Video sets final season of ‘Four More Shots Please!’ 


