Google is now using artificial intelligence (AI) to guess how old users are — and it may lock accounts if it thinks someone is under 18.
This new system will roll out in the U.S. over the next few weeks, starting with a small group of users. Google says the AI will look at things like search history and YouTube viewing habits to guess a user’s age. If it believes the user is a minor, it will apply strict safety settings.
These settings include:
- Turning off personalized ads
- Blocking adult apps in the Play Store
- Disabling Timeline in Google Maps
- Limiting YouTube video suggestions
- Enabling bedtime reminders on YouTube
If someone is wrongly flagged as underage, they can prove their age by sending a photo of their government ID or a selfie.
This change follows increased pressure from governments around the world — especially in the U.S. and the U.K. — asking tech companies to better protect children online.
Platforms like Reddit, Discord, Bluesky, and Spotify are already affected by similar age-check rules in the U.K.
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