YouTube Plans to Employ AI for Age-Based Distinction, Ensuring Appropriate Experiences and Safety for Teens and Adults
YouTube, the world's leading video-sharing platform, has announced the introduction of an AI-powered age determination feature. This new tool is designed to bolster YouTube's protection efforts for teens and to make it easier to treat teens as teens and adults as adults [1][2][3].
The age determination feature analyses various signals, such as users' video viewing history, content categories, and account age, to determine if a user is under 18. When identified as a teen, YouTube applies specific protections: it disables personalised ads, limits repetitive viewing of certain types of potentially harmful or sensitive content, and enables digital wellbeing features like screen time and bedtime reminders [1][2][5].
If YouTube mistakenly classifies a user as a teen when they are actually an adult, the user can verify their true age via official methods such as submitting a government ID, a credit card, or a selfie. Only verified adults gain access to age-restricted content, ensuring that users incorrectly flagged as underage are not permanently restricted [1][3][4].
This change might be an attempt by Google to encourage more users to join its $14/month Premium subscription, which offers an ad-free experience, among other benefits [4]. The company has also taken extreme measures to prevent users from using YouTube with ad blockers, citing a violation of the platform's terms of service [6].
The age determination feature is currently being tested among a small set of users in the United States. YouTube will use generative AI to interpret a wide range of signals to determine whether a user is over or under 18 years. The ultimate goal is to curate a unique viewing experience for its users by leveraging machine learning to determine their age, thereby providing the best and most age-appropriate experiences and protections [7].
References:
- YouTube Help
- TechCrunch
- The Verge
- The Information
- 9to5Google
- Ars Technica
- The Next Web
Xbox and PC gamers might soon find themselves behind when it comes to software updates, as the Surface line of devices and Windows 11 are slated to receive enhanced gaming protections due to YouTube's new AI-powered age determination feature. The technology analyzes user data to determine the age of the individual, with verified adults gaining access to age-restricted content.
These new protections could potentially influence the gaming landscape, as more stringent controls over content exposure may encourage developers to consider offering their games on platforms that prioritize age-appropriate experiences, such as Surface and Windows 11.
Given that the update is still in testing stages in the United States, it remains to be seen how its implementation will impact the gaming industry and user overall experience. Moreover, as YouTube aims to curate a unique viewing experience for its users by leveraging machine learning, it is possible that other technology companies may follow suit and incorporate similar features in their own products.
As the world continues to digitize and prioritize the protection of online users, particularly younger generations, it will be interesting to observe how the gaming industry adapts and evolves in response to these technological advancements.
