YouTube AI safety feature for teens uses machine learning to identify under-18 users and automatically apply protections like turning off personalized ads and limiting content exposure
YouTube AI safety feature for teens is set to transform how the platform protects its younger users.
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The company recently announced a new machine learning-powered in-app system designed to automatically identify teen users and activate safety measures.
Using artificial intelligence, YouTube analyses signals such as search queries, video categories, and account activity to estimate whether a user is under or over 18 years old.
This innovative technology enables the platform to adjust settings instantly for teen users.
Once identified, teens will benefit from safeguards like disabling personalized ads, enabling wellbeing tools, modifying content recommendations, and restricting access to certain videos.
If the system mistakenly flags a user as under 18, they can verify their age through methods like credit card or government ID verification.
Only verified or inferred adults will be allowed to view age-restricted content.
This new feature builds on YouTube’s decade-long efforts to protect younger audiences, including YouTube Kids and supervised accounts for teens.
The rollout will begin in the U.S. with a limited user group and expand based on feedback.
Also read: YouTube solidifies streaming dominance with record TV viewership, NFL deal
By leveraging AI, YouTube continues to create a safer space for families, balancing protection with user privacy.
