Google Rolls Out AI-Powered Age Verification System in Canada
Google is introducing its AI-powered age verification system in Canada, designed to ensure youth have age-appropriate experiences on their platforms. The technology uses machine learning to determine whether a user is over or under 18 by analyzing data already attached to their profiles, including search queries and YouTube viewing history.
The system will notify users under the age of 18 via email and provide them with Google's 'enhanced protections', which include reduced targeted advertising, digital wellbeing tools, and private video uploads. If the system mistakenly identifies an adult as a child, the user can prove their age using standard verification measures, such as uploading government-issued ID and a selfie.
This move comes as pressure mounts from the federal government for tech giants to better police their platforms. The Liberal government's Digital Safety Act aims to force social media companies to block kids under 16, following similar bans in Australia and Brazil.