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Google to Pilot AI Age-Estimation Across Services in U.S. Starting August 13

Google will enforce under-18 protections without collecting new data through automated age flags, user verification via ID, credit card or selfie.

Overview

  • Starting August 13, Google will test its AI age-estimation tool on a select group of U.S. users, expanding beyond YouTube into Search, Maps and the Play Store.
  • The AI will analyze signals such as search history and video engagement to automatically enable SafeSearch, disable personalized ads and activate digital wellbeing features for presumed minors.
  • Users flagged as under 18 can contest the assessment by uploading a government ID, submitting credit card information or providing a real-time selfie.
  • Google says no additional user data will be collected for age estimation as it positions the tool to meet new youth-safety regulations like the Kids Online Safety Act.
  • Pending pilot results, Google plans a broader global rollout and joins competitors such as Meta in deploying AI-driven age verification solutions.