New Age Verification Rules at Google: Key Insights
Google has initiated the rollout of an age verification system powered by artificial intelligence, not just on YouTube but also in Google Search. This was reported by TechIssuesToday.
Users in the U.S. are reporting pop-up messages appearing in Google Search that state: "We have changed some of your settings because we could not confirm you are of legal age." This indicates new policies in the usage of Google services.
Previously, age restrictions were primarily applied to video content on YouTube. Now, they may impact a wider range of activities, including image searches and access to specific websites. Google has officially confirmed the expansion of the AI-driven age verification system to services beyond YouTube.
This development has raised concerns among users about their privacy. Some are already considering alternative search engines like DuckDuckGo or Bing to avoid the need to log in and provide personal information for age verification.
Currently, instances of such notifications in Google Search are infrequent, aligning with the company's statement about implementing this new technology for a limited user group. However, users fear this could become a new standard that alters the traditional experience of anonymous searching online.
A similar system on YouTube has already sparked considerable criticism and calls for a boycott. The new restrictions could represent another stage in reassessing the balance between user convenience and privacy.
