YouTube now uses AI to guess your age, a move that has stirred controversy among many users. Starting August 13, the platform began using machine learning to estimate users’ ages based on their viewing habits, search history, and account activity. This new system replaces relying solely on the birthdate users provide during sign-up.
The AI model flags users who appear under 18 and moves them to teen accounts automatically. These accounts have restricted access to certain age-sensitive videos. Additionally, YouTube turns on features like bedtime reminders for these younger accounts. The company says this shift helps protect younger viewers online.
According to a YouTube team member, this system is a crucial step to ensure user safety. The platform has previously tested the approach in other countries, and it considers the trial a success. However, many U.S. users express concerns about potential mistakes. For example, fans of animated or children’s content may be wrongly classified as underage.
If users feel the AI misclassified them, YouTube allows appeals. Users must verify their age by providing identification such as a government ID, credit card, or even a selfie. The platform will notify users when it changes their account type to an under-18 status. Still, YouTube hasn’t clearly explained how it will use or store this verification data.
A company spokesperson told Ars Technica that YouTube “does not retain data” specifically for advertising purposes. However, the statement leaves room for data retention for other reasons, which worries many users.
This concern has fueled a petition on Change.org, which has gathered over 68,000 signatures rapidly. The petition creator, a YouTube gaming influencer named Gerfdas Gaming, opposes the system. He argues that YouTube now uses AI to guess your age as a way to collect more personal information under the guise of child protection.
In summary, YouTube now uses AI to guess your age, sparking a growing debate. While the platform says it prioritizes safety, many fear privacy invasion and wrongful restrictions.
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