Google to use artificial intelligence to determine if users are under 18

Karah Rucker
Google plans to start testing artificial intelligence to determine whether users are the appropriate age to use its products.
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  • Google said it will begin testing a machine learning-powered age estimation model to help determine if a user is under the age of 18. The automation feature will be used across Google products, including YouTube.
  • The tech giant’s move using artificial intelligence to determine age comes as lawmakers pressure online platforms to create better safety features for children.
  • Google plans to roll out the AI-based age estimates feature later this year.

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Google plans to start testing artificial intelligence to determine whether users are the appropriate age to use its products. The company announced the new AI system in a blog post focused on “new digital protections for kids, teens and parents,” saying it will provide “more age-appropriate experiences” for young users.

The automation feature will be used across Google products, including YouTube.

Many online age verification services only have users input their birth date in order to see content that is restricted to those 18 years old and older, which has proven to be ineffective in preventing minors from accessing content that’s not for them.

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How will it work?

CNET reported the estimation model will use machine learning to make sense of various data points already associated with the user’s account, such as what they’re searching for, the categories of videos they’ve watched, and how long they’ve had an account. 

If the model incorrectly flags an account for being under the age of 18, the user can provide age verification by showing a government-issued ID.

What’s happening with the push to make online platforms safer?

Google’s move using AI to determine age comes as lawmakers pressure online platforms to create better safety features for children.

Meta rolled out a similar feature that uses AI to determine that someone may be lying about their age in September.

Google said it will roll out the AI-based age estimates feature later this year and to more countries over time.

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Karah Rucker
Karah Rucker
Karah Rucker is the host of Bias Breakdown and a daily news anchor for Straight Arrow News. She examines media bias and breaks down left- and right-leaning narratives with impartial analysis.
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Bias comparison

  • Media outlets on the left highlight Google's initiatives aimed at raising awareness of child safety, utilizing more emotive language regarding AI implications.
  • Media outlets in the center emphasize the methods of factual data collection, presenting a more technical perspective without addressing emotional concerns.
  • Not enough unique coverage from media outlets on the right to provide a bias comparison.

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Media landscape

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15 total sources

Key points from the Left

  • Google will use machine learning to estimate users' ages, starting with a test in the US in 2025, to restrict inappropriate content for children.
  • YouTube CEO Neal Mohan announced this change to enhance age-appropriate experiences on Google platforms.
  • The age estimation model will utilize existing user data and notify users if settings change due to age detection.
  • Heightened attention to online child safety prompted Google and Meta to implement AI-driven age verification methods amid regulatory proposals like KOSMA.

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Key points from the Center

  • Google plans to test a machine learning-based age estimation model in the U.S. this year to better protect young users on its platforms.
  • Testing of this age estimation model is set to begin in the U.S. Before expanding to other countries over time, according to Google.
  • The age estimation model will help identify users under 18 by analyzing various data points associated with their accounts.
  • If the model incorrectly flags an account as under 18, users can provide age verification through various means.

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Key points from the Right

No summary available because of a lack of coverage.

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