YouTube's AI faces backlash.

The use of AI and viewing history to determine a user's age is considered inappropriate and is facing a wave of boycotts from creators.

YouTube is facing a wave of backlash. Photo: Nurphoto .

Tens of thousands of YouTubers are protesting YouTube's plans to use AI to detect underage users in the US. A petition on Change.org is rapidly approaching its goal of 50,000 signatures, hoping the platform will halt this implementation.

They are concerned that age verification will make it difficult for users to access their favorite content while remaining anonymous. According to YouTube, this age verification system relies on indicators, including the types of videos users search for and watch, and the account's activity level.

If an account is identified as being under 18, YouTube will apply restrictions by disabling personalized ads, enabling digital health tools to prevent harmful content, limiting repeat viewing of certain content, and requiring users to provide identification, a credit card, or a selfie to verify their age.

Privacy experts say YouTube's AI-powered age verification is quite concerning. How the data received from users mistakenly labeled as teenagers is used or for how long is stored remains undisclosed. According to Ars Technica , a company spokesperson only stated that they do not retain the information for advertising purposes.

Experts note that even the best age estimation technology has a margin of error of about two years on each side, meaning ages between 16 and 20 can be particularly susceptible to misidentification. Additionally, if YouTube is hacked, people's identification and facial data could potentially be stolen.

Gerfdas, the YouTuber who initiated the petition, stated that any monetized account has already shared personal information with YouTube. He argued that it's absurd for AI to silently scan all user viewing habits because, as an adult, he has the right to watch whatever he wants within the framework of the law.

Meanwhile, YouTube has created a dedicated Kids version for children. Managing what children watch and at what times should be the responsibility of parents, this YouTuber shared.

Since August 12th, hundreds of self-proclaimed YouTubers have joined the petition every hour. This shows that those who want to protect digital freedom are increasingly uniting. This is like "a form of mass surveillance and censorship disguised as child protection," Gerfdas said.

Several YouTubers signed a petition citing concerns that the age verification trend risks exposing vulnerable users whose anonymity is crucial. For example, for creators in diverse communities, sharing identification or selfies could “put me in danger,” one comment read.

Many comments questioned the feasibility of determining age based solely on video viewing history. One comment suggested that the woman enjoyed watching unboxing videos and toy videos as a form of entertainment. Another argument suggested that families sharing an account to access children's content might also face age restrictions.

Gerfdas started watching YouTube at age 13, but it wasn't until 2023, when he was an adult, that he began producing content for the platform, inspired by his favorite channels. He shared his empathy with some teenage viewers who don't want AI to restrict their activities, as well as his inspiration.

Although somewhat reliant on the platform for income, Gerfdas said it might be time to seriously consider leaving if YouTube implements AI across its entire platform. "This isn't just a YouTube issue; it's about digital freedom," he said.

Source: https://znews.vn/ai-cua-youtube-bi-phan-doi-post1576560.html