Instagram users can now verify their age on the platform

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Instagram users can now verify their age on the platform

Users can verify their age on the platform, starting with people in the United States, on Thursday, according to Reuters- Instagram.

The photo-sharing service, Meta Platforms Inc, is testing two new ways to verify a person's age, in addition to allowing them to upload their identity proof online.

Erica Finkle, director of data governance at Meta, said when we know if someone is a 13 -- 17 years old, we provide them with age appropriate experiences like defaulting them into private accounts, preventing unwanted contact from adults they don't know and restricting the options advertisers can reach them with ads.

Instagram 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. Instagram said that both Meta and Yoti will delete the image once the age has been verified.

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 stopped its launch of Instagram Kids last year after receiving criticism and opposition for the project.

Instagram Kids was touted as requiring parental permission to join, but U.S. lawmakers and advocacy groups urged the company to drop its launch plans, citing safety concerns.