Google is introducing new technologies to automatically determine the age of its users. If the system identifies that a user is under 18, appropriate restrictions will automatically be applied across all services.

These restrictions will include features like sleep reminders on YouTube, limitations on personalized recommendations and ads, turning off history in Google Maps, and blocking access to certain content in the Play Store.

The algorithms will take into account what users search for and which videos they watch on YouTube. Initially, restrictions will be applied to a "small portion" of accounts in the USA, but the program is expected to expand over time.

In case of incorrect identification, Google will offer to verify age through an ID photo or a selfie.

This continues an initiative that Google announced in February, starting with YouTube. The company attributes these changes to societal and political pressure — there is increasing concern in the USA about the impact of social media on teenagers, and the UK already has legislation requiring age verification on platforms like Discord, Reddit, Bluesky, and Spotify.