Introduction to YouTube’s New Age Check System
YouTube has announced that it will be testing a new system to estimate user ages in the US using AI. This system will be used to determine if users are under 18 and apply certain protections to their accounts.
How the Age Check System Works
The system will use a variety of signals to determine a user’s age, including the types of videos they search for, the categories of videos they have watched, and the longevity of their account. No new user data will be collected, but the AI will interpret existing data to make an estimate.
Protections for Young Users
If a user is determined to be under 18, YouTube will automatically apply certain protections to their account. These protections include disabling personalized advertising, turning on digital wellbeing tools, and limiting repetitive views of certain types of content that may be harmful or too mature.
Limitations and Concerns
YouTube claims that this system has been working well in other markets, but it’s not perfect. The company has set up an appeals process for adults who are accidentally flagged as teens by the AI. However, this appeals process requires users to submit a government ID, credit card, or selfie to verify their age, which has raised concerns among privacy experts.
Appeals Process and Data Retention
The appeals process has been criticized for lacking transparency, particularly when it comes to data retention. YouTube has stated that it does not retain data from IDs or payment cards for advertising purposes, but it’s unclear what happens to this data otherwise. David Greene, a senior staff attorney at the Electronic Frontier Foundation, has expressed concerns that this data could be retained for other purposes, putting vulnerable users at risk.
Conclusion
YouTube’s new age check system has raised concerns among privacy experts, particularly when it comes to data retention and transparency. While the system is intended to protect young users, it’s unclear how effective it will be and what risks it may pose to users who rely on anonymity.
FAQs
- Q: How will YouTube’s age check system work?
A: The system will use AI to estimate user ages based on their search history, watch history, and account longevity. - Q: What protections will be applied to accounts of users under 18?
A: Protections will include disabling personalized advertising, turning on digital wellbeing tools, and limiting repetitive views of certain types of content. - Q: What if an adult is accidentally flagged as a teen by the AI?
A: Adults can appeal the decision by submitting a government ID, credit card, or selfie to verify their age. - Q: What happens to the data submitted during the appeals process?
A: YouTube has stated that it does not retain data from IDs or payment cards for advertising purposes, but it’s unclear what happens to this data otherwise.
