YouTube is set to crack down on underage viewers hiding behind “adult” accounts. Starting mid-August 2025, the video platform will roll out a new AI-driven system to identify minors based on their viewing habits and behavioral patterns.
The artificial intelligence will analyze account watch histories and usage trends — though the exact criteria remain undisclosed — to determine if a user is underage. If flagged, the account will automatically switch to “restricted mode,” limiting access to age-restricted content.
Recognizing the potential for errors, YouTube has preemptively asked users not to take offense if the AI misjudges their age. The company advises keeping identification documents handy to submit to Google for age verification if needed. The rollout’s early days are expected to reveal how many glitches occur, raising questions about the system’s accuracy.
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The change could also impact content creators. Bloggers relying on revenue from teenage audiences may see a hit to their earnings as access to their videos is curtailed. As YouTube balances safety and user experience, the effectiveness of this AI tool—and its unintended consequences—will be closely watched in the coming weeks.
