Google will use AI to estimate the age of its users

Google will use AI to estimate the age of its users

Google will soon begin using artificial intelligence in Canada to determine whether its users are adults or minors.

The system will analyze certain account-related activities, such as the categories of videos watched on YouTube or the types of searches performed on Google.

When a user is deemed to be under 18, certain protection settings will be automatically activated. These could include stricter content restrictions and reminders about screen time.

Conversely, some features will be disabled, including personalized ads and access to adult apps on Google Play.

Google specifies that this technology will not use new information, but rather data already associated with the account.

If an adult is mistakenly identified as a minor, they will be able to contest the assessment by providing official identification or a selfie.

This approach follows a trend already adopted by other major platforms, notably Meta, which also uses artificial intelligence to try to identify accounts belonging to teenagers.