YouTube introduces technology for age verification of users

• YouTube utilizes technology to identify underage users.
• New protective measures include blocking personalized advertising.
• Users can confirm their age if they have been incorrectly identified.

This is reported by TechCrunch, The Verge.

YouTube announced the start of the implementation of age estimation technology in the U.S. to identify teenage users and provide them with appropriate platform experiences. Along with this information, the company will utilize various signals to determine possible user age, regardless of the entered date of birth.

When YouTube identifies a user as a minor, it introduces new protective measures and features. This includes blocking personalized advertising, limiting the replay of certain types of content, and activating digital well-being tools, such as reminders about usage time and screen time.

These measures already exist on YouTube, but previously they were only applied to those who confirmed their age. The new algorithm also allows users, who are presumably considered underage, to verify their age using a credit card, government ID, or selfie.

The technology, which is based on machine learning, will begin to be implemented over the coming weeks for a small group of users in the U.S., after which the company plans to expand its use. This step is part of YouTube's goal to make the platform safer for younger users, especially under increasing regulatory scrutiny from governments.

Additionally, in the U.S., several states have enacted laws regulating the use of social media by minors, including requirements for age verification or parental consent. In the United Kingdom, the implementation of its own age verification checks has also begun, in accordance with the Online Safety Act of 2023.

Tags: Technology/AI