If the technology incorrectly estimates a user to be under 18, they can verify with a credit card or a government ID. YouTube said it will only allow users who have been verified over 18 to view age-restricted content that may be inappropriate for younger users.

YouTube's AI age verification could significantly expand protections for teens, aligning the platform with mounting regulatory pressure. But the flip side is a new privacy burden on adults who are misclassified and asked to hand over sensitive data to prove their age.