Overview

• In early August Google began a limited US trial using AI to estimate user ages across YouTube and other services, focusing on a small set of accounts.
• The machine learning model evaluates signals such as viewing habits, search queries and declared birthdate to identify accounts likely belonging to users under 18.
• Accounts flagged as minors automatically lose personalized ads, face content filters on age-sensitive videos, and have digital wellbeing tools like break reminders activated.
• Misidentified users can appeal restrictions by submitting a government-issued ID, a selfie for biometric confirmation or valid payment credentials.
• Google will monitor pilot outcomes before considering broader rollout to more US users and potential international expansion in line with global child safety regulations.