YouTube has launched an AI-powered age estimator feature to protect teenagers, which determines age based on user behavior. If a teenager is identified, personalized ads will be turned off, screen time alerts will be activated, and sensitive content will be limited.
YouTube: Protecting teenagers in the digital world has become a major challenge today, and YouTube has responded to this challenge. The world's largest video platform is now launching a new AI-powered age estimator feature for teenage users. This feature is being implemented specifically in the US, but its impact could affect global technology regulations and the future of children's online safety.
What is this new AI-based feature?
YouTube's new technology uses Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence to estimate the age of any user. A key feature is that the system does not require any personal information from the user, such as date of birth, name, or documents. This feature estimates age based on signals such as usage behavior on the platform, content viewing style, and interface usage patterns.
These changes will occur as soon as a teenager is identified
As soon as the system identifies that a teenager is using an account, YouTube immediately implements some important changes:
- Personalized Ads will be completely turned off.
- Digital wellbeing tools such as screen time alerts, break reminders, etc. will be automatically activated.
- Recommendations for sensitive content related to weight or body image will be blocked.
- Certain video categories, such as violent or mentally impactful content, will be removed from recommendations.
- The aim is to give teenagers a healthy and balanced digital experience.
What if an adult is mistakenly identified as a 'teenager'?
No artificial intelligence system is 100% accurate, and YouTube recognizes this fact. In such a case, if an adult user is mistakenly classified as a teenager, YouTube will give them the option to verify their age. Users can prove that they are adults by providing their government ID or credit card. Once verification is complete, all restrictions on their account will be removed and they will have normal access to all video content.
Preparing for the future: Will this feature also come to India?
Currently, this feature has been implemented for only some users in the US, but YouTube says it plans to implement it in other countries soon. In countries like India, where internet usage has increased rapidly and the number of teenagers is quite high, this technology is particularly significant.
Background and Company's Perspective
YouTube CEO Neal Mohan announced this AI-based feature in February 2025. Prior to this, the company has also made several efforts to protect teenagers, including 'Supervised Accounts' and Content Restrictions, which were implemented from September 2024. With this new feature, YouTube is proving that it is not only a means of entertainment but also a responsible tech platform that is serious about digital health and ethical use.
Why was this change necessary?
- Entering the wrong age is common: Today's teenagers enter the wrong birthday to bypass the platform's age-based conditions.
- Risk of harmful content: Due to uncontrolled recommendations, teenagers can unintentionally view unhealthy or mentally impactful content.
- Impact on mental health: Constant screen use and negative content can affect the mental health of teenagers.
