Fact Check: Will you need ID to use YouTube?

Fact-Check: "Will you need ID to use YouTube?"

What We Know

Starting on August 13, 2025, YouTube will implement an AI-powered age estimation model for users in the United States. This initiative aims to identify users under 18 years old, regardless of the birthdate they provided during account creation. The purpose is to enhance protections for younger users and ensure they have age-appropriate experiences on the platform, such as enabling digital wellbeing tools and displaying only non-personalized ads (Cord Cutters News).

The AI will analyze various signals, including a user’s activity and account longevity, to determine if they are under 18. If the AI estimates that a user is a minor, they will receive a notification and will have the option to verify their age using a government ID, selfie, or credit card if they believe the estimation is incorrect (Tom's Guide). Users identified as under 18 will face restrictions, such as not being able to access age-restricted content until their age is verified (Cloudwards).

Analysis

The claim that users will need to provide ID to use YouTube is partially true. While the primary function of the new age estimation model is to automatically apply age-appropriate protections, it does require users to verify their age if the AI flags them as under 18. This verification can be done through a government-issued ID, which means that, in some cases, users may indeed need to provide identification to access certain features or content (Ecommerce North America, Dexerto).

However, it's important to note that not all users will be required to show ID. The requirement is contingent upon the AI's assessment of the user's age. If the AI does not flag a user as a minor, they will not need to provide any form of identification. Therefore, the necessity of ID is conditional and not universal for all users (Cybernews).

The sources used in this analysis are generally reliable, coming from established tech news outlets and industry-focused publications. However, there is some variability in how different sources present the implications of the new policy, particularly regarding user privacy and potential backlash (Level Up Talk, Ecommerce North America).

Conclusion

The verdict on the claim "Will you need ID to use YouTube?" is Partially True. While the new age estimation model will require some users to verify their age using identification, this requirement is not universal and will depend on the AI's assessment of the user's age. Therefore, while ID may be needed for some, it will not be a blanket requirement for all users of the platform.

Fact Check: Will you need ID to use YouTube?