Google has announced that it will soon use machine learning to estimate the age of its users, with the goal of providing more "age-appropriate experiences" across its platforms. The technology, currently being tested in the US, will use existing user data to determine whether someone is under 18, and adjust settings accordingly.

The news was first revealed by YouTube CEO Neal Mohan in an annual letter published on Tuesday. According to Mohan, the age estimation model will analyze various factors, including the sites users visit, the types of videos they watch on YouTube, and how long they've had an account. If the model detects that a user may be under 18, Google will notify them and offer options to verify their age using a selfie, credit card, or government ID.

Once a user is identified as underage, Google will apply its existing safety features to their account, including its SafeSearch filter, which helps remove explicit content from search results. Additionally, the company will restrict content on YouTube that may not be suitable for users under 18. Google plans to expand this technology to more countries in the future.

The move is likely a response to growing concerns surrounding online child safety in the US. Several bills, including the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA) and the Kids Off Social Media Act (KOSMA), aim to improve online safety for minors. KOSMA, in particular, proposes that online platforms estimate users' ages, although this method is not always accurate.

Google is not the only tech giant exploring age estimation technology. Meta has also started using AI to scan for "signals" that a user might be under 18. As online platforms face increasing pressure to ensure online safety for minors, it's likely that we'll see more companies adopting similar technologies in the future.

In related news, Google announced several new features aimed at improving online safety for families. Parents will soon be able to limit calls and message notifications on their child's phone and tablet during school hours, and add contacts to their child's phone through the Family Link app. Additionally, Google will allow parents to add and manage payment cards in their child's Google Wallet.

The company also plans to give teens access to its NotebookLM AI-powered note-taking app and its Learn About educational AI tool. These moves demonstrate Google's commitment to providing a safer and more age-appropriate online experience for its users.

As the tech industry continues to grapple with the challenges of online child safety, Google's decision to use machine learning for age estimation marks an important step forward. While the technology is not foolproof, it represents a significant effort to provide more age-appropriate experiences across Google's platforms.