Meta will use AI to detect minors with privacy concerns

Published on May 24, 2026 | Translated from Spanish

Meta's proposal to use artificial intelligence to identify minors on its social networks sparks debate among experts. While the company seeks to protect young people, specialists warn that the system requires collecting extensive personal data, which could be invasive. Researcher Nina Kolleck points out that AI operation depends on detailed data profiles, and researcher Andy Przybylski indicates that this does not guarantee safety, but rather creates lists of verified advertising targets.

adolescent user interface on smartphone, AI facial recognition scanning a teenage face, transparent data streams flowing from the device into a cloud server farm, glowing privacy lock icons breaking apart, server racks with blinking blue lights in background, teenage silhouette half-hidden in shadow, photorealistic technical illustration, cinematic dark blue and purple lighting, data particles floating around the phone, surveillance camera lens reflection on screen, dramatic contrast between warm skin tones and cold digital elements, ultra-detailed hardware textures, high-end engineering visualization

Profile analysis and bone structure using AI 🤖

Meta's system plans to analyze posts, biographies, and even bone structure in photographs to identify users who hide their age. The company claims it does not train its artificial intelligence with data from minors under 13, although the scope of the analysis raises doubts. The technology is based on pattern recognition models and machine learning, but critics point out that collecting biometric and behavioral data may violate young people's privacy without providing an effective solution against age deception.

Meta's AI: now also a bone detective 🦴

Because, of course, the solution to prevent a minor from lying about their age is for the AI to measure their facial bones. As if all teenagers go through a bone scan before posting a selfie. Soon, instead of asking for a photo of your ID card, Meta will ask you for a profile X-ray. But don't worry if you're an adult: your facial data will only be used to sell you more anti-wrinkle cream ads.