Google to Start Using AI to Guess Your Age on YouTube, Some Accounts May Face Restrictions
Starting August 13, Google will begin testing a new AI-powered age detection system on YouTube in the United States. This system will try to guess your real age based on how you use the platform—not just what birthdate you entered during account setup.
For years, many users have faked their age while creating YouTube accounts to access restricted content. But this trick may no longer work. The new AI system will look at your video-watching habits, how you interact with content, and even how long you’ve had your account to estimate whether you’re under or over 18.
What Happens If You’re Flagged as Under 18?
If Google’s AI thinks you are a minor, even if your account says you’re not, YouTube will automatically apply stricter safety controls, such as:
- No personalized ads
- Blocking access to certain video types like dating content or intense fitness
- Disabling features like live chats and comments
These restrictions will stay in place unless you verify your age using an official ID, credit card, or selfie-based verification.
Why Is Google Doing This?
Google says this move is part of its effort to enhance online safety for young users. In a statement, YouTube said:
“We will use AI to interpret signals such as the type of videos watched, categories searched, account activity, and more to estimate a user’s age.”
This system goes beyond just checking video history. It will analyze your behavior over time, including how you scroll, click, and interact with the platform, to make more accurate predictions.
A Global Trend
This AI-based age detection aligns with global trends. Countries like the UK have already passed laws requiring stricter age verification online. The US and India may follow soon. Google appears to be preparing ahead of these potential regulations.
For now, this feature will be tested on a small group of U.S. users, but if it proves successful, it could expand worldwide—possibly reaching India and other regions in the near future.
