Overview

• The pilot uses AI to infer user ages based on YouTube activity, search history and account longevity for logged-in U.S. users.
• Accounts suspected of belonging to under-18 users are automatically placed into teen mode, enabling non-personalized ads, digital wellbeing tools and restricting age-inappropriate videos and recommendations.
• Users incorrectly flagged must verify their age by submitting a government ID, a selfie or a credit card to regain full access.
• A Change.org petition has garnered tens of thousands of signatures as users protest perceived surveillance and loss of anonymity.
• Privacy and civil-rights experts warn the model may misclassify adults and exhibit demographic bias; YouTube says it will not use submitted verification data for advertising and intends to closely monitor the pilot.