Instagram makes it mandatory for all users to share date of birth to use app; here’s why

Eight months after announcing plans to make age verification mandatory, Instagram is forcing users to submit their date of birth to use the app. With this new update, the app is trying to restrict its access to kids below the age of 13 years and use the information to better target customers with ads.

Users are complaining that Instagram is showing a screen that is asking users to enter their date of birth and a user can’t avoid it. “Before you can continue using Instagram, you need to provide your birthday, even if this account is for something like a business or pet,” the screen prompt reads. “This helps us protect younger people in our community. We’ll also use your birthday to help personalise your experience, including ads. It won’t be part of your public profile.”