App unveiled that checks for adults posing as children

My thoughts entirely. If this was ever used in practice it would need substantial improvement; it could create awkward problems for the fathers of well spoken children.

Agreed. Now the kids who happen to spell correctly, use larger words and proper punctuation will be further isolated from everyone else. Hooray for reinforcing the status quo!

Actually, I doubt that correct spelling and punctuation is much of an indicator in the algorithm. Adults posing as children will try to talk like children, so they'll be dumbing down their conversation too. In fact, I suspect they may overcompensate.

I imagine it's looking more for incorrect usage of slang, usage of slang that's no longer current, et cetera.

Indeed, because it's pattern based - it does not automatically assume that the adult is "smarter", but that any person whose communications are too far off the normal curve will, presumably, get flagged. Kids, be like everyone else, or we'll send the SWAT after you! (j/k - I do think this is a good thing)

My thoughts exactly. But, then again, I'd have to think that the people law enforcement is seeking aren't all that bright to begin with. Even if they used the software, they'd likely ignore its warnings in favour of satisfying their sick cravings.