Google extended the reach of its AI verification tool for YouTube users in August, using it among a small number of accounts. Now, it appears that the company is pushing the AI age verification to even more accounts.
Google starts requiring age verification from more YouTube users
Back in February, Google announced it would start testing an AI tool to identify whether YouTube users were under the age of 18. That tool was initially meant to be used with a “small group” of users, but the company later announced it would start applying it more widely. Apparently, that time has come as YouTube users with restricted accounts are flocking to the r/youtube subreddit to complain of being asked to verify their age.
Reddit users have shared screenshots of a pop-up that appears over the videos on the mobile and tablet apps and the web version of YouTube. The pop-up warns that some account settings have changed and gives an option for age verification.
Google uses AI to guess if a user is of age or not
In a support article, Google has explained that the AI-powered system uses various signals to determine whether a user is under 18 or not. Part of the indicators that the system considers is the YouTube activity and the longevity of the account. Funnily enough, some users report that the pop-up has appeared on accounts older than 18.
If the AI flags an account as being used by someone under the age of 18, YouTube imposes various restrictions. Among them is blocking age-restricted videos, adjusting video recommendations, and serving non-personalized ads only.
How do you feel about verifying your identity online?
I’d stop using a service if it asks me for my ID
100%
I’d share my ID with some companies, but not all
0%
I don’t mind verifying my ID anywhere online
0%
Google says users have the option to verify their age if the age estimation is incorrect. That could happen through a government ID, selfie, or a credit card. Users from the US, UK, Australia, and Canada seem to be affected now, but Google will likely extend the system’s reach to other countries.
Is that an attack on privacy?
Everyone, especially people under 18, knows how trivial it is to create an account online and lie about your age. While kids wouldn’t agree, there’s a reason to restrict their access to many things online, including some disturbing videos on YouTube. With that in mind, I like the idea of using an AI system to estimate if an account is used by a kid or not.
On the other hand, online age verification is a contentious issue from a privacy point of view. Anonymity was part of the early web’s DNA, but it’s becoming increasingly difficult not to connect your real identity to your online persona. That’s only one of the various reasons people could feel uncomfortable sharing their ID with Google or any other Big Tech company.
Recommended Stories
"Iconic Phones" is coming this Fall!
Rediscover some of the most unique and memorable phones of the last two decades! "Iconic Phones" is a beautifully illustrated book that we've been working on for over a year - and it's coming out in just a couple short month!
"Iconic Phones: Revolution at Your Fingertips" is a must-have coffee table book for every phone lover out there. Covering the stories of more than 20 fan-favorite phones, it takes you on a memorable journey through the technological revolution that shaped our lives. Sign up now to secure an early discount price!
Ilia, a tech journalist at PhoneArena, has been covering the mobile industry since 2011, with experience at outlets like Forbes Bulgaria. Passionate about smartphones, tablets, and consumer tech, he blends deep industry knowledge with a personal fascination that began with his first Nokia and Sony Ericsson devices. Originally from Bulgaria and now based in Lima, Peru, Ilia balances his tech obsessions with walking his dog, training at the gym, and slowly mastering Spanish.
A discussion is a place, where people can voice their opinion, no matter if it
is positive, neutral or negative. However, when posting, one must stay true to the topic, and not just share some
random thoughts, which are not directly related to the matter.
Things that are NOT allowed:
Off-topic talk - you must stick to the subject of discussion
Offensive, hate speech - if you want to say something, say it politely
Spam/Advertisements - these posts are deleted
Multiple accounts - one person can have only one account
Impersonations and offensive nicknames - these accounts get banned
To help keep our community safe and free from spam, we apply temporary limits to newly created accounts:
New accounts created within the last 24 hours may experience restrictions on how frequently they can
post or comment.
These limits are in place as a precaution and will automatically lift.
Moderation is done by humans. We try to be as objective as possible and moderate with zero bias. If you think a
post should be moderated - please, report it.
Have a question about the rules or why you have been moderated/limited/banned? Please,
contact us.
FCC OKs Cingular\'s purchase of AT&T Wireless
Things that are NOT allowed:
To help keep our community safe and free from spam, we apply temporary limits to newly created accounts: