The technology will allow us to decrease a user’s age and use this signal, regardless of the birth date indicated in the account, to offer appropriate experiences and protections,” the YouTube leadership team said on their blog.
A technology based on users’ search history
Rather simple to use, this technology will be based on users’ search history. It should interpret various signals, such as the types of videos searched, watched, or the age of the account. If the system determines that a user is under 18 years old, the rules for teenagers will automatically apply to prevent the viewing of inappropriate content for minors, whether in terms of recommendations or advertising.
If the video history is biased, especially for parents who activate videos intended for their children, the user “will have the opportunity to prove that they are of legal age, for example, by using a credit card or an ID card,” reassures the platform.
Australia has banned YouTube for under 16s
Like many social networks, YouTube is regularly accused of harming the health of children and adolescents, whether through screen time or exposure to inappropriate content. Recently, Australia has outright banned access to those under 16 on Google’s video platform, in order to protect them from “predatory algorithms,” as defined by Communication Minister Anika Wells.
