This year, Google will begin to test a function that uses machine learning for children trying to access adult content on YouTube. “Model for assessing age based on machine learning” will try to predict whether the user is up to 18 years, and, if so, apply the appropriate settings for the age filter filter to their account. The announcement was made against the backdrop of the security of Google Child Safety Ads How the US Senate considers a bill that will be prohibit teenagers on social networksField
YouTube CEO Neal Mohan first mentioned the function of limiting the age of ML on Tuesday in his letter About the “bets” of the platform for the coming year. “We will use machine learning in 2025 to help us evaluate the age of the user, to outline young spectators and adults to help provide the best and most suitable experience and protection,” he wrote.
The representative of YouTube explained that the model will make his forecasts using data as types of information that a person is looking for, categories of the video that they watch, and the age of his accounts. For example, if someone often searches for information about mortgage lending or taxes, this probably indicates that a person exceeds 18 years. The same for an account, which is more than 20 years.
If the ML model predicts that someone is a minor, YouTube will apply its standard protection to ensure a more appropriate age of experience. Of course, the platform blocks obvious (and otherwise age) video from users to 18 years. Google disadvantages also include its Safesearch filter, which (as its name suggests) blocks a clear content from the search results.
YouTube told Engadget that it would begin to test the filtering tool by the end of this year. The platform plans to turn it around the world in 2026. Although the general director of YouTube first announced this function, Google will test A feature in other areas too. Nevertheless, we still do not know where the new ML function will appear. Google is not alone in testing such a function.
Google is not alone in testing such a moderation. Last year, meta said that it will Use the adult classifier tool In order to identify minors of Instagram users who play for adults.
Google also said on Wednesday that School timea function previously accessible only as an application Smartwatch on Fitbit Ace LTE And Galaxy Watch for Kidswill turn into Android phones and tablets. Part Link to Google Family link The application for parents, school time will allow parents to determine what functions of the phone and applications their children in school hours can use. Parents can choose which applications remain active (for example, applications for training), allowing messages and calls from certain contacts. The idea is to minimize the screen time and help children focus on their work, but at the same time emergency contacts with green light.
It seems that the Android Family Link application will allow parents to approve or deny contacts to add to their children's devices. (This is another feature from Galaxy Watch for Kids.) Then parents can limit calls and texts only approved contacts. Nevertheless, this function is not quite here: Google says that it will turn out “in the coming months.”
Finally, this spring, parents using Google parental control can add adhesive payment to their children's android phones. (Google Said that it will happen Last year.) Parents will be able to approve the payment card, add or delete additional cards and view the child transactions. Google says this function will also work for things such as gift cards and ticket tickets.