Google Rolls Out AI-Powered Age Verification in Canada
Google is introducing age verification measures in Canada as governments and tech companies tighten restrictions on minors online. The company's AI-powered age estimation system will analyze signals associated with a user's account, including search history and YouTube video categories. If an account likely belongs to someone under 18, Google will apply additional protections across its services, such as turning off personalized ads and restricting access to adult-rated content.
The rollout comes as Canada considers its own rules for protecting children online. The Liberal government's proposed digital safety legislation, Bill C-34, would require social media platforms to temporarily block access for users under 16. Google says its system can add safeguards around content recommendations and allow adults incorrectly classified as minors to challenge the result with a government-issued ID or selfie.
Google Canada's director of government affairs and public policy, Jeanette Patell, said the company is not collecting new information that is already associated with users' accounts. The rollout will begin gradually in the coming days, with Google monitoring user feedback to refine its system.