YouTube tests new AI technology to protect minors online
- YouTube plans to implement an AI-powered age-estimation tool to identify users under 18.
- The technology will analyze video viewing habits and account age to determine a user's age.
- This initiative aims to enhance the protection of young users on the platform from harmful content.
In the United States, YouTube announced on July 30, 2025, that it will introduce a new feature aimed at identifying users below the age of 18. This initiative is part of the platform's broader effort to safeguard young users from inappropriate content. The technology relies on artificial intelligence to evaluate factors such as the types and categories of videos watched by a user, alongside the duration of their account. This approach determines age estimations without relying on the information provided at account registration. James Beser, the director of product management at YouTube, conveyed that if the AI detects a user as being under 18 years old, certain protective measures will be adopted. This includes disabling personalized advertising, reducing exposure to repetitive content, and ensuring that only users verified as over 18 can access age-restricted material. These measures are a response to the heavy usage of the platform among adolescents; notably, a Pew Research survey found that 90% of teenagers aged 13 to 17 utilized YouTube in the previous year. Alongside this new tool, other existing safety initiatives include supervised accounts that enable parents to monitor their children's activity on YouTube. The company has a history of leveraging AI technologies, from content moderation to promoting safer experiences for young users. However, recent reports suggest a shift in focus under political pressures that have prioritized user freedom of expression over strict safety measures. YouTube's future plans involve testing this age-detection tool in the upcoming weeks with a select group of U.S. users before considering a wider rollout. The success of this technology in other markets indicates a potential positive reception, although specific locations where it has been implemented successfully were not disclosed in their announcement. As part of their responsible digital governance, the rollout positions YouTube as a proactive entity in managing user safety, particularly for its younger audience.