YouTubers are speaking out against YouTube’s new plan to use AI to detect underage users in the US, citing concerns over privacy and anonymity. A Change.org petition has gathered tens of thousands of signatures, aiming to halt the rollout of the age verification system.
The system estimates user ages based on various signals, including video search history, watched categories, and account longevity. If a user is deemed under 18, their account will be restricted with limitations on ads, digital wellbeing tools, and content access.
However, experts have raised red flags over data privacy and storage. YouTube claims it doesn’t retain sensitive information from users’ ID or payment cards for advertising purposes. Critics fear that the AI age checks may incorrectly label users, leading to potential data breaches.
The system’s accuracy is also uncertain, with even top age-estimation tech having a two-year error window on either side. This could affect YouTubers between 16 and 20 years old, who might be mislabeled as minors due to the system’s limitations.
Source: https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2025/08/50k-youtubers-rage-against-ai-spying-that-could-expose-identities