YouTube Implementing AI-Powered Age Verification in the U.S., Automatically Limiting Access for Users Predicted to Be Younger Than 18 Years Old
YouTube, a Google-owned platform, is rolling out an AI-based age-estimation model in the U.S. The system aims to provide better protections for younger users on the platform by analysing behavioural signals and inferring if a user is likely under 18 [1][2][5].
The model considers various factors such as the types of videos watched, video categories, and account longevity to make its predictions. If a user is estimated to be under 18, standard protections for teen accounts on YouTube will automatically be enabled [1][2][3].
These safeguards include disabling personalized advertising, activating digital wellbeing tools, minimizing recommendations of repeated or potentially problematic videos, blocking access to age-restricted content, showing privacy reminders when uploading or commenting, and potentially restricting features for teen creators [1][3][5].
For creators, YouTube will apply additional protections such as setting uploads as private by default for anyone and restricting the ability to earn from gifts on vertical live streams. Users have the option to verify their age through government ID, selfie, or credit card if they believe the age estimation model is incorrect [1][2][3][4][5].
The age-estimation model will use the inferred age to deliver age-appropriate product experiences and protections. The technology is aimed at improving the safety and security of YouTube for younger users. YouTube was one of the first platforms to offer experiences designed specifically for young people and is proud to introduce technology that allows for safety protections while preserving teen privacy [2][3][5].
James Beser, senior director of product management for YouTube's youth products, announced the rollout of this technology in a blog post. The system is initially rolled out to a small group of users in the U.S. and is monitored to balance user experience and ecosystem impact [2][3][5].
Families trust YouTube to provide a safe and enriching experience, and YouTube will continue to invest in protecting their ability to explore safely online. The aim of this technology is to ensure that teens are treated as teens and adults as adults through this technology.
However, some creators may experience a shift in their audience categorized as teens (under 18) due to the changes, which may result in a decrease in ad revenue since only non-personalized ads are served to those viewers. YouTube will closely monitor the user experience and partner with Creators in the U.S. for the age-estimation model update.
YouTube's goal is to provide a safer and more secure platform for all users, especially younger ones, while preserving privacy and offering age-appropriate experiences.
Artificial intelligence (AI) plays a significant role in the age-estimation model implemented by YouTube, analyzing user behavior and video preferences to predict if a user is likely under 18 [1][2][5]. If a user is estimated to be under 18, various protections such as disabling personalized advertising, activating digital wellbeing tools, and blocking access to age-restricted content will automatically be enabled [1][2][3].
