Tag: age verification

Social Media

YouTube Uses AI to Identify Underage Users—Even If They Lie About Their Age

allycaralgoa

U.S., July 2025 — YouTube is taking a bold step in online safety by introducing AI-powered tools that attempt to identify users under 18 years old—even if those users have entered a false age on their profile.

The AI system analyzes visual data, such as facial features from uploaded videos or thumbnails, and behavioral patterns to estimate a user’s actual age. If the system suspects a user is underage, content restrictions designed for minors will automatically be applied, overriding the user’s declared age.

Why This Matters

YouTube’s goal is to ensure a safer online environment for teenagers and children who may otherwise be exposed to mature or harmful content. The move is part of a larger trend among tech platforms facing increasing regulatory pressure to safeguard young users.

The platform has already introduced default privacy settings for accounts under 18 and limitations on targeted advertising. This AI tool adds another layer of protection—but not without controversy.

Privacy Concerns Surface

Critics argue the use of AI in this manner raises serious questions about user privacy, accuracy, and algorithmic bias.

  • How is the data being processed and stored?
  • What about false positives?
  • Could older users be wrongly flagged as minors?

While YouTube insists the data remains secure and is used solely for safety purposes, digital rights organizations are calling for more transparency and user control.

A Glimpse Into the Future

This development signals a larger shift in how tech platforms use AI to enforce policies beyond what users explicitly input. The implications could extend into other areas like e-commerce, gaming, and social networking.

As AI increasingly mediates our online experiences, the balance between safety and surveillance will remain a hot topic.

📖 For more updates on tech, privacy, and digital policy, visit allycaral.com

International

Australia Bans Social Media Accounts for Under-16s, Including YouTube, from December 2025

Tanisha Cardozo

MELBOURNE, July 30 — In a historic reversal of its earlier decision, the Australian government has confirmed that YouTube will be included in its upcoming ban on social media platforms for children under 16. This groundbreaking regulation takes effect on December 10, 2025, and will subject non-compliant platforms to fines as high as AU$50 million (US$33 million).

YouTube was originally exempt from the legislation passed in November 2024, which introduced age restrictions for platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, and X. However, following new research and public concern, Communications Minister Anika Wells announced that YouTube will no longer receive special treatment.

“The evidence cannot be ignored that four out of 10 Australian kids report that their most recent harm was on YouTube,” said Wells. “We will not be intimidated by legal threats when this is a genuine fight for the wellbeing of Australian kids.”

The ban prohibits children under 16 from creating social media accounts, though it does not entirely block access to platforms or their content. This means children may still view videos but cannot sign in or interact via personal accounts.

YouTube, owned by Alphabet Inc., criticized the decision, calling it a reversal of a prior public commitment. The company insists that it functions as a video-sharing platform, not social media.

“Our position remains clear: YouTube is not social media,” a spokesperson said. “We’ll consider next steps and continue engaging with the government.”

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese voiced his strong support for the measure and announced that Australia would push for global social media age bans at a United Nations forum in New York this September.

While critics have raised questions about implementation, Minister Wells confirmed that the government would not require sensitive ID documents like passports or driver’s licenses. Instead, platforms are expected to use non-invasive age verification technologies.

Exemptions to the ban include platforms and apps dedicated to education, health, online gaming, and private messaging.

The move comes amid growing concern about the negative effects of social media on children, including mental health issues, sleep disruption, addiction, and exposure to harmful content.

This Australian-led initiative may mark a turning point in how nations approach child protection in the digital age.