Google begins U.S. testing of AI that estimates if users are under 18, enabling automatic age‑appropriate safety settings.
Google is conducting a test in the United States of a machine-learning-powered technology that will enable it to identify the age of consumers and filter content across all of its products to match.
The company stated that it will evaluate data from Google accounts, such as the categories of videos users have viewed on YouTube or the types of details they have searched for, to ascertain their age.
If the company’s tool determines that a user is under 18, they will receive an email about the potential modifications to Google products.
Google will prevent these users from accessing adult-themed apps on the Play Store, turn off the timeline in Maps, restrict age-restricted ad categories, and halt personalized ads.
The company will also activate digital wellbeing features on YouTube, including “go to bed” notifications and break reminders, for users who watch videos late at night.
Additionally, it will prevent underage users from repeatedly accessing specific types of content, such as content that could provoke body image issues.
Suppose users believe they have been mistakenly identified as a juvenile account. In that case, they can appeal the decision and provide evidence of their age by submitting a photo of their government ID or a selfie.
Google implemented comparable measures for YouTube earlier this week, and it is currently experimenting with machine-learning-based age gating in the United States for Google accounts in general.
The company stated that it has conducted experiments with age estimation technology in specific markets (without specifying which ones), and the technology has been successful.
“Age assurance ensures that adults have access to the information and services they require, while also providing the appropriate safeguards for our younger users.”
Google stated in a post that its age assurance strategy involves a combination of age estimation and, when required, age verification.
Instagram and Roblox are among the platforms that have implemented AI to estimate the age of their users. Lawmakers have been collaborating to establish regulations regarding providing appropriate content to minors.
Several states in the United States have either existing or proposed age-gating laws. In the interim, platforms have implemented age verification in the United Kingdom in response to the passage of the Online Safety Act.