Google to Use AI to Determine Whether You’re Actually 18+
Key Takeaways
- Google is developing an AI model to estimate users’ ages based on their activity such as search history, video categories, and account age.
- This is done to prevent underage access to restricted content. Incorrectly flagged users must provide an ID or a selfie for verification.
- Features like SafeSearch enforcement, restricted ads, and parental controls aim to create a safer online experience for minors.
- Google will first launch these features in the U.S. before expanding globally.
After Meta, Google announced that it would begin testing an age estimation model to determine the correct age of users with the help of AI and machine learning-powered mechanisms.
The intention behind launching such a model is to provide a more age-appropriate experience across all Google platforms, including YouTube.
Currently, it’s very easy to set up a profile with an incorrect age and get access to age-restricted content. This is concerning as many young kids use YouTube and other Google platforms regularly.
The timing of this move aligns with the increasing pressure from lawmakers to make the internet a safer place for kids. This new update will place a number of restrictions on users under the age of 18. The changes could include blocking sensitive ad content and enabling the SafeSearch filter.
A new Google Messages feature is also expected to be out soon that’ll send sensitive content warnings to users. Users below 18 will need to get their parent’s consent in order to turn off this functionality. If executed properly, this feature could significantly help put systems in place for sensitive content restrictions.
One more interesting feature called “School Time” for Android Phones and tablets will allow parents to block device access during their school hours. That isn’t all though, more updates are in progress as we speak, that’ll help parents monitor the online activity of kids.
With increasing dependence on tech in schools, it’s difficult to trace what kids are actually doing on their devices when unmonitored. These features are being built to make surveillance easier and make sure that tech is being used to further education only.
How the AI Model Will Work?
Google’s AI model will track information about the account like the things they’re searching for, the categories of videos they watch, and how old their account is. Their activity will serve as data points to ascertain whether their proclaimed age is correct or not.
If you get flagged as a minor incorrectly, you’ll be asked to share a government-issued ID card as evidence before you can proceed. In some cases, even a selfie might be required.
Google says it is still finding more ways of age verification that can help increase the correctness of this procedure while making it easier for users to get through the process.
Before Google, Meta introduced a similar method last year for age verification and has been operating in markets like Europe since then. Google has said that this feature shall first be rolled out in the United States later this year and eventually be expanded to more countries.
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View all articles by Alpa Somaiya
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