Overview

• The pilot launches on August 13 for a small group of US users and extends beyond YouTube to Search, Maps, Play and other Google services
• Machine-learning models interpret search queries, YouTube viewing habits and other behavioral signals to estimate if an account holder is under 18
• Accounts identified as minors will see SafeSearch enabled, personalized ads disabled, digital wellbeing prompts activated and access to adult apps blocked
• Users who believe they’ve been misclassified can restore full privileges by verifying their age with a government ID, selfie or credit card
• The rollout follows new online safety laws such as the Kids Online Safety Act and mirrors similar AI age-check efforts by competitors like Meta