YouTube’s new AI-powered age checks in the US have infuriated viewers, and they’re not holding back. Here’s how they operate.

Following the debut of online age verification checks in the UK, YouTube has formally introduced its AI-based age checks in the US with the goal of preventing minors from accessing adult content. There has been a lot of criticism since its broad implementation, and users are incensed.

The primary cause of users’ concerns regarding YouTube’s new age check procedure is the age-estimation model, which the company claims will “use AI to interpret a variety of signals that help us to determine whether a user is over or under 18”. However, how will it operate?

YouTube’s artificial intelligence model will use “signals,” such as the duration of the user’s account, the kinds of videos they search for, and the categories of videos they have already viewed, to determine whether a user is under or over the age of 18.

Regardless of the age you have specified for your account, YouTube will restrict your account if it determines you are underage. This includes turning on digital wellbeing features, blocking repetitive views of certain types of content, and turning off customized advertising. You will need to provide a credit card or official identification to prove your age if you are mistakenly thought to be younger than 18.

There are concerns about potential data leaks because YouTube has not disclosed how the data from users attempting to confirm their age will be sent to this ai model or how it will be stored.

General annoyance

Even though YouTube’s new AI age checks are just getting started, users are already taking action to prevent them. A petition on Change.org was launched on Tuesday and has since amassed over 90,000 signatures.

Users are upset for other reasons besides the petition’s assertion that “this isn’t just about age restriction – it’s about mass surveillance and data control.” With 1.8k responses, a Reddit post regarding YouTube’s new age checks has generated a lot of discussion.

Oh my GOD, it’s happening
byu/GalvaSov inyoutube

In addition to worries over data security, angry users are now debating whether YouTube hosts “real” adult content (see also below). This was also brought up when Spotify, another service that offers podcasts that can be considered mature in nature even though it doesn’t carry X-rated content, implemented face-scanning age checks in the UK.

Videos like movie and game trailers, which are viewed by people of all ages, may be impacted by YouTube’s efforts to identify adult-leaning content. According to one user, some content in this category won’t be accessible if you haven’t checked in because of the new age restrictions.

What are your thoughts on YouTube’s recent age verification checks? Let us know what you think in the comments section.