Unlocking Your Online Identity: How AI-Powered Age Detection is Revolutionizing Google’s User Profiles
Google’s Machine Learning: Estimating User Age to Deliver Age-Appropriate Experiences
In a recent update, Google announced it’s testing a machine learning model in the US to determine whether users are under 18 years old. This move aims to provide more age-appropriate experiences across its platforms. With this technology, Google can better cater to its young users’ needs by "providing more age-appropriate experiences."
How the Age Estimation Model Works
YouTube CEO Neal Mohan first revealed this change in an annual letter, which detailed how the age estimation model uses existing user data, including website visits, video watch history, and account age. Based on this information, the model determines the user’s age and applies settings changes accordingly. For users detected to be under 18, Google will notify them and offer age verification options using a selfie, credit card, or government ID.
Implementing Safety Features for Underage Users
Google will apply its existing safety features to underage accounts, including its SafeSearch filter, which filters out explicit content from search results. Additionally, the company will restrict content on YouTube that may not be suitable for users under 18. This enhanced safety measure will be rolled out in more countries over time.
Transparency and Future Plans
"We will continue to explore additional opportunities to provide increased transparency to users about age estimation at the account level," said Google spokesperson Matt Bryant. The company is committed to ongoing innovation in this area, with plans to introduce further features to support parents and their children.
New Features for Parents
In the coming week, Google will allow parents to limit calls and message notifications on their child’s phone and tablet during school hours, as initially announced last year. Starting next month, parents will be able to add contacts to their child’s phone through the Family Link app, limiting phone calls and texts to only those numbers. Additionally, Google will soon allow parents to add and manage payment cards in their child’s Google Wallet.
