YouTube Plans to Use AI to Detect If US Viewers Are Under 18

Alphabet Inc.’s YouTube will soon begin using artificial intelligence to determine whether viewers in the US are under the age of 18, following increased pressure on the biggest tech companies to strengthen online safety for children.

In a blog post Tuesday, the company said it will leverage AI to “interpret a variety of signals” including a user’s video searches, the categories of content they typically watch and the longevity of their YouTube account to estimate their age. For users believed to be under age 18, YouTube will automatically apply its standard protections for teen accounts.