Google trialling new system to detect underage users

The system will prompt users to provide a form of identification if the probability that they are underage is deemed to be high

Senior figures from the Irish arms of Google and YouTube appraised the Minister for Arts, Tourism and Culture of the various ways the company is working to improve how it polices harmful content on its platforms. Picture: Getty

Google is testing out a new age assurance system that will prompt users to provide a form of identification if the system detects “signals” that may suggest that they are underage.

The tech giant, which employs 8,500 people in Ireland, met with Catherine Martin, Minister for Arts, Tourism and Culture, in February 2021 to discuss forthcoming legislation at Irish and EU level to regulate tech firms.

Senior figures from the Irish arms of Google and ...