YouTube has entered a new phase of its AI-based age verification feature, which was announced earlier this year. The platform has drawn criticism from some users after restricting numerous users’ accounts in the last 24 hours. YouTube first announced this system in July of this year and announced that it would begin implementing it in August. However, users didn’t actually encounter the AI-based restrictions until late September.
AI Knocks on the Door: Accounts Are Being Restricted
Now, a second and more widespread wave of the system’s implementation has hit the platform. In the last 24 hours, numerous YouTube users on various platforms, especially Reddit, reported that their accounts were restricted by the AI age verification system.
Just like the first implementation, users are forced to either accept these restrictions or verify their age to prove they are over 18. Verification methods include:
- Using an official ID.
- Taking a selfie to estimate their age.
- Using a credit card.
Restrictions applied by YouTube to accounts identified as under 18 lead to significant changes to the platform experience. These restrictions include:
- Blocking age-restricted videos.
- Showing only non-personalized ads.
- Enabling digital well-being tools by default, including “take a break” and “bedtime” reminders.
- Displaying privacy reminders when uploading videos or commenting publicly.
- Minimizing videos with content that could be problematic if watched repeatedly from the recommendation feed.
- Setting all uploads to private by default.
- Restricting the ability to earn from gifts on vertical live streams.
This sudden proliferation of AI systems has raised concerns and backlash about forced identity sharing, particularly among adult users who have been active on the platform for a long time and whose age verification is required.
