YouTube introduces AI technology to detect underage users, safeguarding minors online
YouTube, the popular video-sharing platform, is set to introduce an AI-based age verification system starting from August 13th. The initial rollout will focus on US users, with plans to closely monitor the update before expanding its implementation to other countries.
The system aims to limit repeated video recommendations related to sensitive subjects like body image concerns for underage users. Identified underage users will be subject to restrictions, including blocked access to age-restricted videos and the disabling of personalized advertisements.
YouTube's AI system will analyze account activity and age declarations to identify underage users. Users incorrectly flagged as underage can verify their age through various methods, such as uploading a government-issued identification card, submitting a selfie, or entering credit card information.
Content creators may experience a shift in their audience categorized as teens, which could potentially lead to a decrease in ad revenue due to the restriction of personalized ads for underage users.
The measures are in line with Google's previous intentions to use machine learning for age estimation and correspond with a global increase in online child safety regulations. For example, the United Kingdom has recently enforced online age verification rules that require users to verify their age on sites containing pornography or other content viewed as harmful.
YouTube will also automatically enable privacy reminders for detected underage users and activate "take a break" notifications to encourage healthier viewing habits. In addition, the platform plans to begin testing its AI-based age verification technology in the USA starting in 2025, but an exact date for full rollout is not specified.
However, the launch has faced protests from creators concerned about privacy and access. The initial rollout of this AI system is limited to a small user group within the United States. YouTube plans to closely monitor the update before expanding its implementation to other countries.
This news comes as part of a broader effort to enhance online child safety regulations and protect vulnerable users on the platform.
