YouTube Uses AI to Spot Underage Users Pretending to Be Adults
YouTube is rolling out new artificial intelligence safeguards in the U.S. to detect when children are posing as adults to access sensitive content.
The Google-owned platform will use machine learning to estimate a user’s age by analyzing factors like viewing history and account longevity, regardless of the birthday listed. This technology, already tested in other countries, will help YouTube enforce age-appropriate experiences and protections.
If flagged as underage, users can verify their age with a credit card, selfie, or government ID.
The move comes as platforms like Instagram and TikTok face growing scrutiny for failing to shield children from harmful material.
In Australia, new laws will ban children under 16 from YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook starting December 10, with officials citing concerns over “predatory algorithms” and harmful content exposure.
YouTube maintains it is “a video-sharing platform, not social media,” but global pressure to protect young audiences is intensifying.
At its core, this is about safeguarding the well-being and healthy development of children, because protecting them online is always in the best interest of the child.
