Earlier this year, YouTube launched a groundbreaking feature aimed at enhancing its platform's security and user experience: AI age verification. This initiative has stirred considerable controversy among users, with many expressing their dissatisfaction over the implementation process. The feature was first announced in July, with the rollout expected to begin in August. However, it wasn't until late September that the first group of users encountered AI-based age restrictions on their accounts.
In the past 24 hours, a fresh wave of users has reported experiencing age restrictions on their YouTube accounts, as shared on platforms like Reddit. Similar to the previous rollout, users now have the option to either accept these restrictions or verify their age. The verification methods include presenting an official ID, taking a selfie that the AI will use to estimate their age, or utilizing a credit card as proof of age.
YouTube's age restrictions impose several limitations on accounts identified as being under the age of 18. These restrictions include:
Blocking access to age-restricted videos Displaying only non-personalized ads Enabling digital wellbeing tools by default, which includes features like “take a break” and bedtime reminders Providing reminders about privacy when uploading videos or commenting publicly Minimizing recommendations of potentially problematic content Setting uploads to private by default for all users Restricting the ability to earn from gifts during vertical live streamsIn addition to the ongoing developments in AI age verification, YouTube is also working on other enhancements. Users can look forward to upgrades in video and thumbnail file size limits, as well as the introduction of AI-upscaled ‘Super Resolution’ for low-quality videos. Furthermore, the YouTube app for Android TV is set to feature an account switcher at startup, improving user accessibility and experience.
As YouTube continues to innovate and adapt to user needs, the ongoing conversation around AI age verification remains crucial. The platform's efforts to balance security with user autonomy will undoubtedly shape its future landscape.