【детская порнография】Instagram to demand users' birthdays (or else)

Instagram's insatiable thirst for your personal data now comes with a threat: hand it over,детская порнография or else.

The Facebook-owned social media platform announced Monday that, going forward, users will be required to submit their birthdays to the company. If they don't feel like complying, then they won't be able to use the service.

"We'll show you a notification a handful of times and if you haven't provided us with your birthday by a certain point, you'll need to share it to continue using Instagram," reads the press release.

---

You May Also Like

---

---

What's more, Instagram says that plans are in the works to catch people inputting fake birthdays.

"We recognize some people may give us the wrong birthday, and we're developing new systems to address this," warns the company. "As we shared recently, we're using artificial intelligence to estimate how old people are based on things like 'Happy Birthday' posts."

There's nothing you can hide. Credit: facebook

Instagram claims that this latest data grab is in the best interests of its users, and references a March move to make it harder for adults to message users under the age of 18.

"This information allows us to create new safety features for young people, and helps ensure we provide the right experiences to the right age group," explains the company. "For example, [with users' birthdays] we can apply recent changes we made to restrict advertiser targeting options for audiences under the age of 18 to more people."

Mashable Light Speed Want more out-of-this world tech, space and science stories? Sign up for Mashable's weekly Light Speed newsletter. By clicking Sign Me Up, you confirm you are 16+ and agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Thanks for signing up!

However, Instagram is also quick to admit that it benefits from this new policy, too.

"[Knowing users' birthdays] also helps us show you more relevant ads."

Instagram's help center makes clear that, once given, there's no way to claw your birthday back from the company.

"Note that once you add your birthday to your profile, it can't be removed," warns Instagram.

Oh, and in case anyone was inclined to find a silver lining in this news — perhaps Instagram's new birthday policy will make it easier to remember friends' birthdays? — Instagram dashes that hope, too.

"Also, your birthday won't be shared with other people on Instagram."

SEE ALSO: Go download your Instagram history now (then delete your account)

So there you have it. One of the world's most data hungry companies just got a little greedier. Time to feed the beast.

Topics Facebook Instagram Social Media

• fashion
• recreation
• explore
• focus
• synthesize
• knowledge
• hotspot
• relaxation

• ARCTIC, Isurus top final SA open qualifier for Americas RMR
• The NBA playoffs have been defined by one thing: nut shots
• Senate upholds ban on State AI laws in Trump's budget bill
• Mint Mobile deal: Get a new phone and 2 years of Unlimited for $30 per month
• ‘A Divided Community’ to Be Screened at USC
• TikTok is full of diet, nutrition, and weight loss advice. It's a mess to navigate.
• England vs. India 2025 livestream: Watch Test 1 of India Tour of England for free
• 'Succession's 'ludicrously capacious bag' becomes ludicrously capacious meme
• CAPAC Chair’s Statement on Anniversary of U.S. v. Wong Kim Ark Decision
• 'Succession' memes and Gaston's eggs: The 9 best tweets of the week

• This Instagram cartoonist has accused Domino's of plagiarising her comic
• Teens on fire: Of course the 'Hunger Games' generation knows how to fight the NRA
• This talented director is also really good at taking dad naps
• I have never once 'liked' anything on Facebook. And I never will.
• Even Fox News is embarrassed by this rap video made by Utah lawmakers
• Brands are cutting ties with the NRA after student
• Uber driver has a Spotify playlist for every kind of passenger he picks up
• Troll gets trolled with some quality sign Photoshopping
• Former Googler: I was fired for comments on 'white male privilege'
• New Google

• Stirdivant Scholarship Program at SFVJACC
• Scientists find powerful window into the extreme reaches of space
• Amazon shuts down its Halo fitness division
• Okokokok or lalalala TikTok quiz: What it is and how to play
• ECSTATIC lock in spot at IEM Rio Europe RMR
• Gwyneth Paltrow's drinking tea and he's Ken: The 8 best tweets of the week
• YouTubers Jacksepticeye and CrankGameplays launch new podcast 'Brain Leak'
• Bye, bye blue checks: Twitter wipes legacy verified badges from the platform
• CAPAC Chair’s Statement on Anniversary of U.S. v. Wong Kim Ark Decision
• Using AI at work? Don't fall into these 7 AI security traps

• Broadcast Premiere of 'The Power of Two'
• Gwyneth Paltrow trial memes explode after 'I wish you well' moment
• An open letter to Elon Musk: Leave stan Twitter alone
• Blue checks are gone: The 13 best tweets the week Elon Musk killed Twitter's legacy checkmarks
• CAPAC Chair’s Statement on Anniversary of U.S. v. Wong Kim Ark Decision
• Greta Gerwig's 'Barbie' movie character posters take over Twitter
• Today's NYT mini crossword answers for June 23, 2025
• How 3D Game Rendering Works: Anti
• Newest Nisei Week Event Spotlights Geta Dance
• Taylor Swift and Joe Alwyn break up, Twitter will never know peace