YouTube ready to use artificial intelligence to unmask minors pretending to be adults
A system that estimates the age of users by analysing online behaviour is about to be introduced. The United States is pushing for more protections.
by L.Tre.
2' min read
2' min read
YouTube is introducing a new system based on artificial intelligence to recognise when a user claiming to be an adult is actually a child. It is a measure in response to growing political and social pressure on the protection of minors online, particularly in the United States, where large digital platforms are accused of not doing enough against the risks of unsuitable content.
The technology works by analysing various digital signals: from the type of videos watched to the frequency of use and the duration of the account. It is therefore not a static check on the master data entered, but a system that learns from behaviour. James Beser, director of product management at YouTube Youth, explained that the goal is to 'deduce a user's age regardless of their registered date of birth', so as to calibrate appropriate content and protection.
When the algorithm detects a possible discrepancy, the user receives a warning and can prove his or her age by uploading a document, a selfie or using a credit card. A form of verification that aims to balance two opposing needs: on the one hand the protection of minors, on the other hand privacy and ease of access for adults.
The issue has also become urgent internationally. In Australia, the government has announced a ban on YouTube access for children under 16, with a law that will come into force on 10 December. A drastic measure, among the strictest in the world, justified by the risk of 'predatory algorithms' that push children towards potentially harmful content. Canberra is not alone: several countries are considering whether to follow the same path, with the idea that the Australian model could become a precedent to be observed.
The central issue remains the same: to what extent should one rely on Ai to ensure the online safety of minors? Platforms such as YouTube, TikTok and Instagram are moving between two fires. On the one hand, governments and public opinion demanding more protection. On the other, the need to maintain a smooth experience for millions of users who are really adults. The balance is fragile but the plane is now tilted. For Big Tech, it is forbidden to make mistakes. .
