Meta Starts Age Verification Trial for Facebook Dating in the US

Meta trial age verification on Facebook Dating (photo: Meta)

JAKARTA - Meta introduced an online dating feature on Facebook about three years ago. Now, Meta has finally begun to expand age verification testing to Facebook Dating in the US.

"We require people to be at least 18 years old to register for and access Facebook Dating, and an age verification tool will help verify that only adults are using the service and help prevent minors from accessing it," Meta said in the announcement.

This online age verification is done by Meta in partnership with Yoti, a company that specializes in online age verification, so that people have more than one option to verify their age.

We’re testing new tools and using age detection technology to stop people under the age of 18 from accessing @facebook Dating.

Learn more 👇https://t.co/j4DpCredqr

— Meta Newsroom (@MetaNewsroom) December 5, 2022

How Age Verification Works on Facebook Dating

So, Facebook's technology will verify the age of its users. If the company detects that someone may be under 18 and tries to use Facebook Dating, Meta will ask them to verify their age by doing one of two options:

• Video Selfie: If you select this option, you'll see on-screen instructions to guide you through the process. After you take a selfie video, Yoti's technology will estimate your age based on facial features. It should be noted that this technology does not recognize your identity, only your age.
• ID upload: You can also select the ID upload option to verify your age. After you upload, Meta will encrypt a copy of your ID and keep it safe. Once your age is verified, you can set how long your ID is kept.

Currently, Meta says he is learning more about this technology, and plans to bring his age detection technology and age verification tools to other countries globally where Facebook Dating is available.