YouTube to assess US users’ ages using AI following UK and Australia’s implementation of age verification measures | Technology

YouTube intends to implement artificial intelligence to assess users’ ages in the US, providing age-appropriate content.

Following Australia’s decision to ban social media for minors and the UK’s new online safety rules, YouTube is aligning with these measures despite previous opposition.

YouTube’s product management director James Beser announced the implementation of machine learning to estimate user ages through a blogpost, potentially influencing how teens and adults interact on the platform.

While YouTube promised an exemption in Australia, it now faces inclusion in the country’s upcoming social media ban, leading to potential legal action from parent company Google.

The UK’s Online Safety Act, now in effect, mandates social media platforms to secure children’s safety online with strict measures and fines for non-compliance.

By introducing AI age assessment in the US, YouTube is emulating other tech companies, which have complied with tighter privacy laws by enforcing stricter policies. California acts as a key tech regulator due to its home to top tech companies and strict regulation.

YouTube will personalize the user experience based on age, offering tailored safety features and content recommendations for teens and pre-teens.

Users’ viewing history, video search queries, and account activity will contribute to YouTube’s AI age assessment.

If AI estimates are inaccurate, YouTube will offer verification methods such as credit cards, government IDs, or selfies.

There remain questions on how effectively Australia will enforce age restrictions on YouTube, as preliminary tests have shown potential flaws in age estimation technology.