YouTube plans to use AI in the US to detect users' ages

Alphabet Inc.’s YouTube will deploy AI starting August 13, 2025, to analyze U.S. viewers’ behavior, search patterns, and account longevity to estimate if they are under 18, bypassing self-reported birthdates. This move follows pressure to enhance child safety online.

For users flagged as minors, YouTube will enforce teen account protections, including non-personalized ads, “take a break” notifications, and reduced repetitive content recommendations. “We will only allow users who have been inferred or verified as over 18 to view age-restricted content,” said James Beser, YouTube’s director of product management.

Users misidentified by AI must verify age via government ID, credit card, or selfie, raising privacy concerns. The system, already used globally, may reduce ad revenue for creators with teen audiences. YouTube admits some creators may see a “limited impact” on earnings.

The test begins with a small U.S. user group, with plans for wider rollout after monitoring. Critics question the AI’s accuracy and data privacy implications, especially as age-check laws tighten globally.