YouTube Tests New AI to Detect Underage Viewers
YouTube is beginning a new trial in the U.S. that uses artificial intelligence to estimate a user’s age, a significant move aimed at better protecting minors from inappropriate content. The new system is designed to identify users under the age of 18, even if they have entered a false birth date on their account.
Instead of relying on self-reported data, the AI analyzes a user’s behavior on the platform. It looks at a range of signals, including the types of videos they search for and watch, the categories of content they engage with, and the age of their account. This technology, which YouTube has already used in other markets, will initially be tested on a small group of logged-in U.S. users.
If the AI system flags a user as a minor, YouTube will automatically apply its standard safety protocols. These safeguards include turning off personalized ads, activating digital wellbeing tools like “take a break” reminders, and limiting video recommendations to prevent repetitive viewing of certain content.
The introduction of this technology comes amid growing political and legal pressure on social media platforms to strengthen protections for children online. However, the move is not without its critics. Privacy advocates have raised concerns that the system’s reliance on user activity could infringe on personal privacy and potentially lead to censorship.
For adult users who are incorrectly identified as a minor, YouTube is providing options to verify their age. They can do so by submitting a government-issued ID, a credit card, or a selfie. While this allows users to regain full access, it highlights a potential inconvenience for those who are misidentified by the new system. The company has stated it will gradually expand the rollout once it confirms the technology is working as intended.
Source: https://blog.youtube/news-and-events/extending-our-built-in-protections-to-more-teens-on-youtube/
