Instagram seeking ways to verify users’ age

Instagram seeking ways to verify users’ age

FILE - This Friday, Aug. 23, 2019, file photo shows the Instagram app icon on the screen of a mobile device in New York. Instagram is testing new ways to verify people's age to use the service, including a face-scanning artificial intelligence tool, having mutual friends verify their age or uploading an ID. But the tools won't be used, at least not yet, to try to keep children off of the popular photo and video-sharing app. Rather, they are only for verifying that someone is 18 or older. (AP Photo/Jenny Kane, File)

(AP) — How old are you? Everyone knows the answer for themselves — but people don’t always share their true age. Often it’s no big deal, but it can be when a person tries to access age-restricted websites. Now Instagram is trying to address the problem. People have to be at least 13 to use the site but some dodge the rule by putting in a birthdate that makes them seem older — or use a parent’s account. Instagram says it’s testing ideas like using face scans, having mutual friends verify a user’s age or having users upload an ID. Of course those plans are bound to run into problems with those concerned about privacy or data-collection.

Photo: (AP Photo/Jenny Kane, File)