YouTube Unleashes AI to Protect Teens: New Machine Learning System to Auto-Detect Underage Users in US

YouTube has begun rolling out a new system to determine users’ ages using machine learning algorithms. According to the company, the technology is already being deployed in the United States and is intended to foster a safer environment for teenagers.

The platform will analyze various indicators to estimate a user’s true age—regardless of the birthdate provided during registration. Among the considered factors are user activity on YouTube and the age of the account, although the company has refrained from disclosing the precise methodologies behind its determinations.

If the system identifies a user as a minor, YouTube will automatically implement additional protective measures. These include disabling personalized ads, limiting replays of videos that could negatively impact self-esteem or provoke aggressive behavior, as well as introducing bedtime reminders and other digital well-being tools.

Previously, such safeguards were applied only to users who self-declared as underage. Now, they will be activated automatically if the algorithm detects that a user is likely an adolescent.

Should an adult be mistakenly categorized as a minor, they will be able to verify their age by uploading an identification document, credit card, or a selfie. Only verified users will be granted access to age-restricted content.

The system will apply exclusively to logged-in users, as unregistered viewers already lack access to 18+ videos. This technology will be operational across all platforms, including the web, mobile apps, and smart TVs.

This initiative forms part of YouTube’s 2025 roadmap and builds upon the platform’s ongoing efforts to create a secure space for teens—following the introduction of YouTube Kids in 2015 and supervised accounts in 2024.

These developments unfold amid mounting pressure on tech companies from U.S. lawmakers, who are demanding clearer age restrictions and seeking to hold major platforms—such as Meta, Apple, and Google—accountable for safeguarding minors.

Several U.S. states have already enacted legislation mandating age verification or parental consent. Such measures are active in Texas, Utah, Georgia, Florida, and others, although some have been temporarily suspended pending judicial review.

Simultaneously, the United Kingdom has begun implementing similar protections under its recently enacted Online Safety Act.