YouTube aims to improve online safety by introducing an artificial intelligence-powered tool that estimates users’ ages based on their activity on the platform, regardless of their birthday in their account. The technology will begin being tested in the US this week and will provide age-appropriate content experiences and protection.
The model will interpret various signals from users, including video search history, watched categories, and account longevity. If a user is under 18, YouTube will automatically apply age-specific protections, such as disabling personalized advertising, digital wellbeing tools, and limiting exposure to certain types of content.
Users can verify their age through a credit card, selfie, or government-issued ID if the model wrongly estimates that they are underage. However, this may result in decreased ad revenue for creators with private uploads by default.
YouTube’s move is part of a broader trend to protect minors online. The US Supreme Court recently upheld a Texas law requiring age verification for websites hosting explicit content, and several states have introduced laws restricting social media for minors. YouTube’s plan aims to preserve teen privacy while providing a safe experience for families.
However, some experts raise concerns about the implications of this technology. The Center for Democracy & Technology warns that it may deprive users from accessing technology they should be able to access, citing examples such as adults being misclassified as child users. A Change.org petition has collected over 68,000 signatures, arguing that mass surveillance and data control are at stake, and the move sets a dangerous precedent for digital freedom.
The rollout is subject to scrutiny, with some states introducing age checks for search engines and social media platforms. The Kids Online Safety Act, reintroduced in Congress this year, aims to minimize harm to minors.
Source: https://time.com/7309268/youtube-ai-age-estimation-us-how-why-privacy-concerns-explainer