ID Required to Watch Youtube?

Will you need ID to watch videos on YouTube? Yes, even in the US, starting August 13th, 2025, if the AI thinks you’re under 18 you might have to provide an ID for full access. 

In a move that mirrors the ID verification laws that have recently taken effect in the UK and EU countries, YouTube has announced that it will use AI to determine whether a viewer is 18 or older (purportedly based upon viewing habits). If the AI works as advertised then adult users won’t even know it’s there but if the algorithm gets it wrong, users will have YouTube’s ‘nanny controls’ activated resulting in restrictions on what they can watch. Misidentified users then have the option to provide proof of their age by way supplying a valid credit card or government issued ID. 

Supporters claim this will help shield children from harmful content and help fight so-called ‘misinformation’. But privacy advocates  note that the duty to protect our children from online threats rests with the parents and not big business. They have labeled these plans as a ‘Trojan Horse’ designed to usher in social credit scoring and “license-for-the-Internet” schemes to limit free speech. 

What do you think? 

For the deep dive, and the connection to Spotify’s new policy, subscribe to our Substack at WorldBriefZMC.