In an effort to enhance online safety and protection for young users, Google has introduced an age verification system in Malaysia to identify accounts belonging to individuals under the age of 18. This measure is part of a broader initiative to limit teenagers' exposure to inappropriate content and improve their safety while browsing the internet.
The new system utilizes machine learning technology to estimate a user's age based on information and activity within their account. According to Google, this method does not involve collecting new data; instead, it relies on existing data to detect accounts likely belonging to users under 18.
If the system identifies a user as being under 18, several protective features are automatically activated. These include "SafeSearch" to filter out sensitive search results, restricted access to certain content on Google Play and Gemini, and the disabling of personalized advertising.
On YouTube, usage control features will be enabled to help teenagers manage their time while online. This step is intended to reduce the risk of teenagers encountering inappropriate content, while ensuring a safer online experience tailored to their age group.
