Google will test using AI technology to determine user age
Google announced on Wednesday that it will test the use of artificial intelligence technology to determine users' ages, ensuring its products are suitable for different age groups. The technology will first be tested in the United States, aiming to help identify whether users are over 18, thereby providing a safer online experience. This move responds to lawmakers' concerns about children's online safety and plans to expand the feature to more countries. Google's new technology echoes a similar feature recently launched by Meta, highlighting the tech industry's increasing reliance on artificial intelligence
Zhitong Finance learned that Google (GOOGL.US) announced on Wednesday that the company will begin using artificial intelligence to determine whether users are of the appropriate age for its products. Google announced this new technology for determining user age in a blog titled "New Digital Protections for Children, Teens, and Parents." A spokesperson confirmed that Google's products, including YouTube, will adopt automation. Google has billions of users, and users under 18 have restrictions on certain services.
Jenn Fitzpatrick, Senior Vice President of Google's "Core" Technology Team, wrote in the blog, "This year we will begin testing a machine learning-based age estimation model in the United States." The core technology department is responsible for building the technological foundation behind the company's flagship products and ensuring users' online safety.
Fitzpatrick wrote, "This model can help us estimate whether users are over or under 18, allowing us to take protective measures to help provide a more age-appropriate experience."
The latest artificial intelligence initiative comes as lawmakers are pressuring online platforms to establish more regulations regarding child safety. The company stated that over time, it will bring the AI-based age estimation feature to more countries. Meta launched a similar feature in September, using artificial intelligence to determine if someone might be lying about their age.
Google and other companies in the tech industry have been increasing their reliance on artificial intelligence for various tasks and products. The use of artificial intelligence in age-related content represents Google's latest frontier in AI. Reports indicate that despite restructuring the department last year, laying off hundreds of employees, and relocating some positions to India and Mexico, the company's "core" team is still taking new initiatives
