Following its debut in August, Google is widely pushing YouTube’s AI age verification this week as many users are reporting their accounts have been restricted.
In July, YouTube announced that it would start leveraging AI to identify viewers under the age of 18. Initally, it was said to be a “small group” of users, but YouTube later announced that it would be enforced more widely.
To determine if a viewer is under the age of 18, YouTube uses the age of the account and the content being viewed. YouTube explains:
The age estimation model uses a variety of signals such as YouTube activity and longevity of the account. If we determine you’re under 18, you’ll be notified. As always, you’ll have the option to verify your age (through government ID, selfie, or a credit card) if you believe our age estimation model is incorrect.
If an account is flagged for being under the age of 18, YouTube imposes a handful of restrictions.
These restrictions include:
- Age-restricted videos are blocked
- Video recommendations are adjusted to minimize “videos with content that could be problematic if viewed in repetition”
- Ads are no longer personalized
- Digital wellbeing tools (such as “take a break”) are enabled by default
- Reminders about privacy are shown when uploading a video or commenting
- Video uploads are set to private by default
- Creators cannot earn “gifts” on vertical live streams
While the rollout of AI age verification on YouTube started in mid-August, the rollout has ramped up considerably over the past day. Looking at Reddit’s r/youtube alone, we’re seeing numerous reports of AI age verification on YouTube accounts dating back roughly 24 hours from September 24. This is notable because, prior to the past 24 hours, very few users had been hit with restrictions.
Users who have their accounts restricted see a pop-up either in the mobile/tablet app or on the web video player telling them that their account settings have changed and they need to verify their age.
As we detailed in August, age verification for users over the age of 18 includes options such as proving a government-issued ID, taking a verification selfie, or using a credit card to prove your age.
Have you been hit with AI age verification on YouTube? Let us know in the comments below.
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