YouTube rolls out age-estimation tech to identify US teens and apply additional protections

YouTube is introducing age-detection technology to identify teens on the platform in the U.S. and apply additional protections. The new system uses machine learning to estimate users' ages and applies stricter policies for content recommendations and features for accounts identified as belonging to teens. The age-estimation technology is part of YouTube's efforts to provide a safer experience for young users. It will automatically apply default privacy settings, limit the visibility of comments, and restrict the types of ads shown to accounts recognized as belonging to teenagers. This move aims to enhance the platform's safety and privacy measures, particularly for minors. YouTube claims the technology is highly accurate, with the ability to identify teens with over 95% precision. The rollout of this age-detection system is a significant step in YouTube's ongoing commitment to ensuring a more age-appropriate and secure environment for its diverse user base.