Google is advancing its age estimation technology in the United States, aiming to enhance user safety and compliance with various regulations. The tech behemoth to make an algorithm that predicts how old users are. This innovation represents a major change in how online platforms, like social media, address age-related harms. The tool determines that a user is not under the age of 18. If they are, the user receives an email detailing how their access to Google products will be affected.
Ivan Mehta, a technology journalist based in India, reports on emerging trends in consumer technology with worldwide implications at TechCrunch. He adds that this effort is timely, given the current discussions surrounding age gating on digital spaces. Many states in the U.S. already have laws on the books governing age verification, with others currently proposing new laws.
Social media companies are getting on board with the same kind of logic. One of the ways Instagram has used artificial intelligence to counter bad actors is in age verification technology. They are super heavy-handed and draconian about shutting down accounts that fake their age. Furthermore, Roblox has implemented AI-driven age estimation technology and new protections designed for its teen users.
Age assurance allows us to strike the balance of giving adults access to the information and services they need, while applying the appropriate protections for our younger users. In our dialogue with Google, a spokesperson shared their view of the opportunity associated with age assurance. It blends age estimation with age verification as required.
This proactive effort from tech companies is a positive sign that these efforts to create age-appropriate online spaces are gaining traction. Conversation around protecting users has reached a tipping point. Stakeholders throughout the tech and broader industry agree that they must pursue and invest in technologies that meet legal obligations and help foster a more secure digital ecosystem.
