Google's AI-Powered Age Verification System Locks Users Out of Search

Google Search users report being locked out for failing age checks

It might be hard to believe, but more and more restrictions are being implemented on products and services found online. You might not see or even experience it, but things are certainly changing, which could at some point end up impacting you at the wrong place and at the wrong time. This all stems from conversations occurring through Reddit, with quite a number of people becoming locked out of their Google accounts. This is now happening to people using Google Search, with the brand requiring users to verify their age before being able to continue the full experience. It's rolling out to Search, so be careful While most people would just ignore this and continue using the service as is, it does affect the experience quite a bit, restricting access to things you'd normally be able to see in Search. If this sounds familiar, it's because we've seen this type of issue before, with folks having their YouTube accounts being locked out. We reported on this just a week or so ago, shedding light on how users were having their YouTube account settings automatically being changed, resulting in the user needing to submit some form of identification in order to clear things up. The worst part about all of this is that it isn't tied to a birthdate, with Google relying on its own AI tools to determine the age of the user instead. It's certainly a slippery slope that will most likely continue to affect people well into the future. Despite Google's attempt to relay this information in advance, it's still a bit jarring to experience, and can really ruin your day if you're not willing to submit verification information. So how can this be fixed? So what can you do if you're hit with this restriction on your account? Well, Google offers a few different solutions, like submitting an ID or taking a selfie. There's also the option of attaching a credit card to your account. Regardless, most people aren't really happy about the solutions available, considering they're giving up more valuable information to Google. But if you run into this issue, it will be the only thing that you can do if you're looking to keep your account in full working order.

Google Search Age Verification Is Locking Users Out of Their Accounts - Phandroid

Google's age verification system is causing problems. Users are reporting they're getting locked out of Google Search after failing AI-powered age checks. The system claims it "couldn't verify that you're an adult" and restricts account access. The issue started appearing in mid-August 2025 for US users. Google uses machine learning to guess your age based on search history and YouTube activity. But the system isn't perfect. Adults are finding themselves flagged as minors and losing access to features. When the AI flags you as potentially under 18, restrictions hit immediately. Ad personalization shuts off. Sensitive content gets blocked. The pop-up says "We've changed some of your settings" without much explanation. Google originally rolled this out on YouTube, where it drew criticism. Now it's spreading to Google Search, and the problems are multiplying. Users who've never had age issues before are suddenly being treated as minors. The verification process should fix this, but it's not that simple. You can submit a government ID, enter credit card info, or use digital IDs through Google Wallet. The problem is some users report the verification options don't work properly. Technical glitches prevent access to settings menus. This creates a frustrating situation. Your account gets restricted based on an AI guess. Then the tools to fix it don't work reliably. Meanwhile, your searches stay limited until you prove your age. Critics say this highlights the danger of automated age detection. False positives are inevitable when AI analyzes behavior patterns. Google faces pressure from regulations like the UK's Online Safety Act. But rolling out age verification that locks out legitimate users isn't the answer.