• YouTube's AI Age Check and Privacy Concerns: Privacy experts demand transparency after YouTube announced testing AI to estimate user ages in the US. From August, YouTube will interpret signals like search and watched video types to determine if users are under 18. Those determined too young will have protections like disabling personalized ads and limiting content. YouTube claims to have estimated age in other markets but has an appeals process that requires users to submit ID, credit card, or selfie. There's a lack of transparency about what happens to this data.
• Data Retention and Risks: David Greene of EFF says YouTube's data retention statement is weak. Suzanne Bernstein of EPIC says it's tough to rely on companies' promises about data use. They suggest more information about data storage and deletion is needed. Until then, the appeals process requiring sensitive info is understandable.
• AI Accuracy and Potential Errors: There's a lack of transparency about AI age check effectiveness. Experts say even the best age-estimation tech has a two-year error window, and users between 16 and 20 are especially susceptible. Groups like EFF and EPIC push for legislation to minimize data collection. Users with AI mistakes have limited options, and sharing biometric data like selfies is risky.
• Impact on Users and the Internet: The increased surveillance of user behavior is not privacy-protective. For some users, sharing biometric data could be a burden. Greene expects more pressure on platforms to age-gate services could change people's Internet relationships, and on a platform like YouTube, it could lead to unmasking of accounts. Each user has to assess their own risks.