Google is taking its AI age verification technology a step further in an effort to better protect young users. After previously announcing plans to identify and restrict underage users on YouTube, the company now says it will begin using AI to estimate the age of U.S.-based Google account holders more broadly.
This rollout will begin over the next few weeks, initially affecting only a small group of users. However, Google has confirmed it intends to expand the system over time. The AI will analyze user activity—such as search history and the types of YouTube videos watched—to assess whether an account may belong to someone under 18. The initiative was first introduced in February.
If the system flags a user as potentially underage, Google will apply the same safeguards used for users who have already self-identified as being under 18. These include:
- Activating bedtime reminders on YouTube
- Restricting certain content recommendations
- Disabling the Timeline feature in Google Maps
- Turning off personalized ads
- Blocking access to adult-rated apps on the Google Play Store
For users mistakenly flagged as underage, Google offers a verification process where individuals can submit a government-issued ID or a selfie to confirm their age.
This move aligns with a growing global trend of pushing for stronger age verification across digital platforms. In the U.S., lawmakers have been urging tech companies to enhance child safety online, while the UK has begun enforcing age checks on platforms like Reddit, Discord, Bluesky, and Spotify.
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