Users have reported being asked by Google to submit documents such as driver's licenses when attempting to view articles. According to reports, access was restricted after users refused to comply.
Google AI Age Verification Misidentifies Adults, Demands Driver's Licenses
This article is a translation. Read the Japanese original
Google explained that this is handled by an AI-powered age estimation system. The system was introduced in response to global movements toward online age verification laws.
This system estimates age by analyzing search history, YouTube viewing habits, and other data. While initially limited to a small number of users, it has now been deployed across multiple services, including Search and YouTube.
When the AI determines that an account may belong to a minor, SafeSearch is enabled, and access to adult content is restricted. The system is not perfect, and it is reported that cases occur where adult users are mistakenly identified as minors.
To verify identity in the event of a misidentification, users can provide a government-issued ID, credit card information, or a selfie. Google stated that ID documents are stored securely and deleted after verification.
This move comes amid pressure from legislators in countries such as the United States and the United Kingdom. The strengthening of age verification for the purpose of protecting minors is a divisive issue, with concerns regarding the impact on adult privacy.
Source: Google Demanded My Drivers Lic Before Letting Me Read an Article（HN 80pt・34コメント）（HN Search (backfill), 2025-10-25）