Google Is Using Ai Age Checks To Lock Down User Accounts

Google will soon formed an moreover wider nett pinch its AI property estimation technology. After announcing plans to find and restrict underage users connected YouTube, the institution now says it will commencement detecting whether Google users based successful nan US are nether 18.

Age estimation is rolling retired complete nan adjacent fewer weeks and will only effect a “small set” of users to start, though Google plans connected expanding it much widely. The institution says it will usage nan accusation a personification has searched for aliases nan types of YouTube videos they watch to find their age. Google first announced this initiative successful February.

If Google believes that a personification is nether 18, it will use nan aforesaid restrictions it places connected users who proactively place arsenic underage. In summation to enabling bedtime reminders connected YouTube and limiting contented recommendations, Google will besides move disconnected Timeline successful Maps, disable personalized advertising, and artifact users from accessing apps for adults connected nan Play Store.

In lawsuit Google incorrectly identifies personification arsenic nether 18, users tin taxable a photograph of their authorities ID aliases a selfie to verify their age. The move comes amid a world push for property verification, pinch politicians successful nan US pressuring tech companies to make their platforms safer for kids, and nan UK wide rolling retired an property verification request affecting platforms for illustration Bluesky, Reddit, Discord, and even Spotify.