California: YouTube announced a new feature that will use artificial intelligence to estimate the ages of its users, aiming to provide a safer and more appropriate experience based on age. The update is set to launch on August 13, 2025.
Initially, the technology will be tested with a limited group of users in the United States. The AI will analyze factors such as account activity, video categories watched, and search behavior to estimate a user’s age. If the system identifies a user as potentially underage, age-specific restrictions will be applied automatically.
For users whose ages cannot be confidently determined by the AI, YouTube will offer an option to verify age by submitting official documents like a government-issued ID or a credit card.
The company states that this new system will improve user protection and ensure a more suitable content experience regardless of the age information provided on users’ accounts. However, some younger users may face limitations they might find inconvenient.
