Google will use machine learning to estimate users' age.
Google intends to identify individuals who are under 18 years old.
Google is set to implement a machine learning model to estimate the age of its users. In a recent announcement, the company mentioned that it is conducting tests in the United States to determine if a person is under 18, which will allow it to provide more appropriate experiences for different age groups on its platforms.
Neal Mohan, CEO of YouTube, disclosed this change through an annual letter published on Tuesday. The age estimation model will be based on existing user data, such as the websites they visit, the types of videos they watch on YouTube, and the age of their accounts. If the system determines that a user may be under 18, Google will notify them of changes to their settings and offer options to verify their age through a selfie, credit card, or official identification.
Additionally, Google will apply its current safety features to the accounts of minors, including the SafeSearch filter, which helps remove explicit content from search results. Access to content on YouTube that is not suitable for minors will also be restricted. The company anticipates expanding this age estimation technology to other countries in the future.
A Google spokesperson, Matt Bryant, stated that they will seek more ways to increase transparency for users regarding age estimation at the account level. This change seems to be a response to the growing focus on online child safety in the United States, amid initiatives like the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA) and COPPA 2.0, as well as the Kids Off Social Media Act (KOSMA), which aims to prevent those under 13 from accessing social media. The latter proposes that online platforms estimate the age of users, even though this method may not always be accurate. Meta has also begun using artificial intelligence to detect “signals” indicating that a user may be under 18.
Next week, Google will roll out a feature that allows parents to limit calls and message notifications on their children's devices during school hours, something that was first announced last year. Starting next month, parents will be able to add contacts to their children's phones through the Family Link app, restricting calls and messages to those numbers only. Additionally, the company has reported that it will soon allow parents to add and manage payment cards in their children's Google Wallet.
