YouTube has introduced a new AI-powered feature in its Age Estimation Tool to improve children’s online safety.
This update helps the platform more accurately detect accounts belonging to users under 18, ensuring minors are protected from adult content.
Google has also applied new restrictions to such accounts.
The AI analyzes account activities—such as video searches, watch history, and account creation age—to decide whether the account belongs to a child or an adult.
Sudden Changes Reported by Users
According to a report by 9To5Google, many Reddit users complained about unexpected changes in their accounts.
Accounts flagged by the AI as belonging to minors received a pop-up saying their age could not be verified and that their settings had been modified.
YouTube had earlier mentioned that it was developing technology to identify accounts falsely created by minors.
With this AI, the detection is now more accurate and based on actual usage patterns.
How the AI Affects Account Settings
When the AI identifies an account as a minor’s, it automatically switches it to a Restricted Minor Account.
If an adult’s account is mistakenly changed, the user can restore it by verifying their age.
Verification can be done by submitting a government ID, birth certificate, or other official documents.
YouTube’s Clarification
YouTube has admitted that some adult accounts were incorrectly flagged as minor accounts.
In such cases, users can prove their identity by uploading government ID, credit card details, or even a selfie.
However, if they fail to verify, the account will stay permanently classified as a minor account, with access to adult content fully restricted.
