AI Age Check Rolls Out in the U.S.
YouTube will begin using artificial intelligence to estimate the age of users in the United States starting August 13. The new system will not launch in India or other countries yet. This rollout marks a major shift in how YouTube protects younger viewers. The AI system will deliver age-appropriate experiences even if a user’s profile says otherwise.
The AI doesn’t rely on the birthdate entered during sign-up. Instead, it looks at how users behave on the platform. It checks what kinds of videos they search for, what categories they watch, and how long their account has been active. Using these signals, the system decides if a viewer is likely over or under 18.
When the system identifies someone as under 18, YouTube automatically applies safeguards. It turns off personalized advertising and activates digital wellbeing features. It also adjusts content recommendations and prevents repeated viewing of certain video types. These changes aim to create a safer space for teens on the platform.
If the AI incorrectly tags a user as under 18, there’s a way to prove otherwise. Users can verify their age using a government-issued ID or a credit card. Only those who are inferred or verified to be adults will be able to view age-restricted content.
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YouTube has already tested the system in other, unnamed markets. The U.S. rollout will begin with a small group of users. The company plans to monitor the results before expanding the feature more widely. YouTube says the goal is simple: treat teens like teens and adults like adults.