Google expands AI-based age verification system for search platform

Google has begun implementing an artificial intelligence-based age verification system not only on YouTube but also on Google Search, TechIssuesToday reports.

Users in the US are reporting pop-ups on Google Search saying, "We've changed some of your settings because we couldn't verify that you're of legal age." This is a sign of new rules in Google's Terms of Service.

Previously, age restrictions were applied primarily to video content on YouTube. Now, they can affect a wider range of activities, including image searches and access to individual websites. Earlier, Google officially confirmed the expansion of its AI-powered age verification system in the US to services beyond YouTube.

This innovation has raised privacy concerns among users, with some already considering alternative search engines like DuckDuckGo or Bing to avoid having to log in and provide personal information to verify age.

Currently, such notifications are rare on Google Search, in line with the company's statement that it is rolling out the new technology to a small group of users. However, users fear that this could become a new standard that will change the familiar experience of anonymous web searching.

A similar system on YouTube has already sparked criticism and calls for a boycott. The new restrictions could be another step in re-examining the balance between usability and privacy.