YouTube, yapay zekâ teknolojisi kullanarak 18 yaş altındaki kullanıcıları otomatik olarak tespit edecek.

YouTube, August 13th from that date onwards will begin predicting the ages of users in the U.S. using artificial intelligence. Google aims to automatically restrict the experience of users under 18 on the platform with this system.

The new system will make age predictions based on the user’s account creation date and their activities on the platform. For accounts identified as under 18, restrictions will apply including age-appropriate content limitations, the display of non-personalized ads, restrictions on repeated sensitive content suggestions, and notifications related to screen time. Additionally, privacy warnings will be automatically displayed when uploading videos or leaving comments. Google is implementing this decision in line with increasing global regulations aimed at protecting young individuals in online environments. Initially, the system will only be rolled out in the U.S., with plans to expand to other countries based on performance.

Earlier this year, Google announced it had developed machine learning models for age prediction. According to the company’s statement, the system will first be tested within a limited user group. The scope will then be expanded based on feedback and results. The primary goal of the system is to ensure that underage users are automatically included in specific category restrictions, which significantly impacts content safety and advertising policies. YouTube notes that if age is incorrectly predicted, users can verify their age using identification documents, selfies, or credit cards.

This application is closely related to the child safety obligations of not only YouTube but online platforms in general. Recently, regulations that came into effect in the UK mandated users to prove their ages to access certain content. In some U.S. states, restrictions on pornographic content are also requiring age verification systems. The European Union is testing age verification prototypes designed to be integrated with digital identities. These developments indicate that digital platforms are under increasing scrutiny.

The new system could directly impact content creators’ revenue distribution

YouTube points out that this automatic classification process could affect some content creators in terms of advertising revenue. This is because personalized ads cannot be shown to viewers under 18, which can lead to a decrease in ad revenue for content creators based on the age demographics of their audience. YouTube grants content owners no intervention rights in this matter, as age classification will be determined entirely by the system’s criteria. It remains uncertain how the system will be applied globally after the testing phase in the U.S. is completed.

With this move, YouTube aims to shift from relying on user declarations for age accuracy to checking through technical systems. Moreover, it appears that the company is implementing this change to broaden the scope of its child safety policies. Whether this initiative will signal the introduction of more comprehensive regulatory mechanisms among social media platforms in the future will depend on subsequent developments.