New online safety laws in the UK protecting children have cracked down on adult content sites and social media giants with global users. YouTube is testing an age verification system on their site that utilises AI to identify minors from adults.
Nonetheless, the controls have seen a surge in VPN use by older teenagers which disguises their online location.
While only users in parts of the US will be the audience for trials, the system could be extended to other regions if it works. Regardless of the personal data that users input when creating accounts, the age verification technology will make an accurate assessment of age and eligibility to be using the site. Under-18s will be barred from using the site but if the technology wrongly flags an adult, the mistake can be corrected by presenting a government-issued ID, bank card or selfie.
As a tailored platform for young people, YouTube is embracing serious regulations and restrictions to continue delivering its service safely, saying its proud to still be at the “forefront of technology” after 20 years to deliver safety protections whilst preserving teen privacy.
The system performs checks only if viewers are logged into their accounts, but accessing videos this way automatically issues a block on some content requiring proof of age. YouTube has been receptive to changes loading the most responsibility onto tech giants, however Google and Apple as platforms enabling unrestricted adult content in the online domain have resisted.
