YouTube’s new AI-powered age verification system, designed to identify underage users, is raising concerns among VTubers and other creators. The system, which analyzes account activity to estimate a user’s age, will apply safeguards to accounts flagged as being operated by minors. Users incorrectly flagged as under 18 will need to verify their age using a credit card or government-issued ID.
While this process may seem straightforward for most users, it has sparked significant concerns within the VTuber community.
Privacy risks for VTubers
VTubers, who often maintain anonymity behind virtual avatars, are particularly worried about the potential risks of submitting sensitive personal information like government IDs. Bao The Whale, a prominent VTuber, voiced her concerns on social media, questioning how YouTube plans to protect creators’ data. She highlighted the case of fellow VTuber AmatsukaUto, whose YouTube channel was recently hacked that resulted to the loss of access to her account.
The faceless nature of VTubing makes creators more vulnerable to doxxing, stalking, and other privacy violations. Government IDs, which typically include full legal names and addresses, could become a significant security risk if leaked.
How would YouTube protect its creators?
YouTube has not yet clarified how it will handle the storage and protection of submitted IDs or whether creators will be exempt from the verification process. While the system is primarily aimed at screening viewer accounts, creators fear they could still be affected.
The VTuber community’s concerns raise questions on how the platform will balance safety, privacy and compliance with regulations. As YouTube rolls out its new system, the platform’s ability to address these issues will be closely watched by creators and users alike.