Google Tightens Age Verification For Users Under 18 Years

Google strengthens the age verification system (photo: x @GoogleAI)

JAKARTA Google will tighten their way of distinguishing children from adults. This step is taken to provide age-appropriate product experience.

Google will implement this change in a number of apps they manage, from YouTube to its app store, namely the Google Play Store. This security update will be launched in stages on a small group of users in the US.

"These measures, which we have implemented in certain markets that have proven effective, are designed to recognize users over the age of 18 or under 18 so we can provide a more age-appropriate experience," Google said.

If an identified account is still under 18 years old, Google will implement a different platform system. Here are some protections that will be activated automatically:

Before implementing the above protection automatically, Google will notify accounts that fall into the young category via email or notification. If users feel the age category for their account is wrong, they can appeal.

In the email or notification sent, Google will explain that their account settings have changed. Google also explains how adults can verify their age.

"If we misestimate users under 18 years of age, users have the option to correct their age, including by uploading an official identification photo or selfie," Google explained.

For now, technologies that can distinguish young and adult users are only available in the US, but Google plans to expand its capabilities to more regions. This expansion will be made after their policies are confirmed to be effective.