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Google is set to implement machine learning technology to estimate the ages of its users. In a recent announcement, the company detailed that this feature is currently being tested in the United States, aiming to identify whether users are under the age of 18. This change is intended to enable Google to offer more age-appropriate experiences across its various platforms.
YouTube's CEO, Neal Mohan, initially shared news of this development in an annual letter earlier this week. The age estimation model will analyze existing user data, such as browsing history, the type of videos watched on YouTube, and the duration of account ownership. If the system suspects a user is under 18, it will inform them of modifications to their settings and provide information on verifying their age through a selfie, credit card, or government identification.
Google plans to extend its existing safety measures to accounts identified as underage, which includes the SafeSearch filter designed to minimize exposure to explicit content in search results. YouTube will also impose restrictions on content deemed unsuitable for users under 18. The tech giant aims to roll out this age estimation technology to additional countries over time.
Matt Bryant, a spokesperson for Google, stated that the company would continue to seek ways to enhance transparency for users regarding age estimation at the account level.
This initiative comes amid growing concerns over online safety for children in the United States. Alongside existing regulations like the Kids Online Safety Act and COPPA 2.0, tech companies are addressing the Kids Off Social Media Act (KOSMA), which seeks to prohibit children under 13 from using social media platforms. KOSMA suggests that online platforms should estimate the ages of their users, although relying on age estimation technology may not always yield accurate results.
In a similar move, Meta has begun employing AI to detect potential indicators that a user may be under 18.
In a related update scheduled for release next week, Google will introduce features allowing parents to manage call and message notifications on their child’s devices during school hours. This functionality, first announced last year, will enable parents to add contacts via the Family Link app, restricting communications to specific numbers. Furthermore, Google plans to allow parents to add and oversee payment cards within their child's Google Wallet.
YouTube's CEO, Neal Mohan, initially shared news of this development in an annual letter earlier this week. The age estimation model will analyze existing user data, such as browsing history, the type of videos watched on YouTube, and the duration of account ownership. If the system suspects a user is under 18, it will inform them of modifications to their settings and provide information on verifying their age through a selfie, credit card, or government identification.
Google plans to extend its existing safety measures to accounts identified as underage, which includes the SafeSearch filter designed to minimize exposure to explicit content in search results. YouTube will also impose restrictions on content deemed unsuitable for users under 18. The tech giant aims to roll out this age estimation technology to additional countries over time.
Matt Bryant, a spokesperson for Google, stated that the company would continue to seek ways to enhance transparency for users regarding age estimation at the account level.
This initiative comes amid growing concerns over online safety for children in the United States. Alongside existing regulations like the Kids Online Safety Act and COPPA 2.0, tech companies are addressing the Kids Off Social Media Act (KOSMA), which seeks to prohibit children under 13 from using social media platforms. KOSMA suggests that online platforms should estimate the ages of their users, although relying on age estimation technology may not always yield accurate results.
In a similar move, Meta has begun employing AI to detect potential indicators that a user may be under 18.
In a related update scheduled for release next week, Google will introduce features allowing parents to manage call and message notifications on their child’s devices during school hours. This functionality, first announced last year, will enable parents to add contacts via the Family Link app, restricting communications to specific numbers. Furthermore, Google plans to allow parents to add and oversee payment cards within their child's Google Wallet.