August 21, 2025 | 09:23 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - YouTube will begin to employ artificial intelligence (AI) technology to estimate the age of its users, specifically those under 18 years old. Starting from August 13, this system will be implemented in the United States through the detection of user account activity and data, enabling automatic limitations.
As reported by Variety, the initial launch of AI technology on YouTube will commence with a small group of users in the United States to estimate their age. James Beser, Senior Director of Product Management for YouTube's youth products, wrote in a blog post, "so that teens are treated as teens and adults as adults."
He explained that this technology enables the platform to determine a user's age based on certain signals. This allows the platform to provide age-appropriate experiences and protection without solely relying on the account's birthdate.
According to The Verge, accounts identified as belonging to underage individuals will receive additional protection, including restricted age videos, non-personalized ads, "take a break" notifications, and limitations on sensitive-themed video recommendations, such as body image. YouTube will also display privacy reminders when users upload videos or post comments.
YouTube will notify users estimated to be under 18 years old. If there are errors, users can verify their identity by uploading ID, taking a selfie, or using a credit card.
The platform also cautioned that some creators may experience changes in the teenage audience category, which could potentially reduce advertising revenue because underage users will not receive personalized ads.
As reported by CNN, YouTube, along with several other social media platforms, is tightening age verification after being criticized because teenagers could still bypass protection by using fake birthdates. These concerns arose as there was an increasing focus from parents and legislators who deemed online platforms as posing risks to the safety and mental health of children.
Last year, Meta announced the use of AI to detect teenagers providing false age information on Instagram, enabling additional security protections. Similarly, TikTok implemented similar technology to identify users who might be under 13 years old, the minimum age for using the platform.
Furthermore, according to new regulations in the UK Online Safety Law, Reddit and Discord have begun age verification for some users, where child safety provisions came into effect last July.
YouTube stated that the AI-based age verification system they have developed has shown positive results in several countries before being officially implemented in the United States.
Quoted from Variety, Beser also emphasized, "YouTube was one of the first platforms to offer experiences designed specifically for young people, and we’re proud to again be at the forefront of introducing technology that allows us to deliver safety protections while preserving teen privacy."
He added that families have trusted YouTube to provide a safe and beneficial experience, so the company will continue to invest to ensure that teenagers can browse the internet more safely.
Editor's Choice: YouTube to Use AI to Restrict Accounts of Users Under 18
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