YouTube has turned to artificial intelligence to help detect children who are posing as adults.

YouTube is stepping up its game by using artificial intelligence (AI) to identify when users are kids pretending to be adults on the platform. This move comes as part of their effort to protect minors from sensitive content, especially with increasing pressure from various sources. This new feature is being introduced in the United States, as YouTube, owned by Google, along with other social media giants like Instagram and TikTok, faces scrutiny over their responsibility to keep children safe from adult-oriented content. According to James Beser, YouTube's Youth Director of Product Management, they will employ a type of AI known as machine learning to estimate users' ages. This will be based on several factors, such as the types of videos they watch and how long their accounts have been active. "This technology will help us make educated guesses about a user's age and use that information, regardless of what their account birthday says, to provide age-appropriate experiences and protections," Beser explained. "We've been using this method in other regions for a while now, and it's been effective." The new age-estimation model builds on existing technology that already tries to determine user ages, according to YouTube. If YouTube suspects a user is underage, they will receive a notification, giving them the chance to verify their age using a credit card, a selfie, or a government-issued ID. Social media platforms often face criticism for not doing enough to safeguard children's well-being. Recently, a top Australian minister announced that the country will soon implement its groundbreaking social media laws to prohibit children under 16 from using YouTube, emphasizing the need to protect them from "predatory algorithms." Communications Minister Anika Wells noted that nearly 40% of Australian children reported encountering harmful content on YouTube, which is one of the most visited websites globally. Last year, Australia revealed plans to draft laws that would prevent children from accessing social media platforms like Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram until they reach 16. "Our stance is straightforward: YouTube is primarily a video-sharing platform that offers a vast collection of free, high-quality content, which is increasingly being enjoyed on TV screens," the company stated back then. "It's not a social media platform." On paper, this ban stands as one of the most stringent in the world. It's set to take effect on December 10. Other countries are keeping a close eye on this legislation, with many considering whether to follow suit with similar bans.

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