YouTube Relaxes Profanity Policy, Introduces AI-Powered Tools to Protect Teen Viewers

YouTube has updated its monetization policies, easing profanity restrictions for creators and introducing AI-powered tools to protect teen viewers. The changes include removing the time-based restriction on profanity in videos, but videos with frequent or excessive use of strong language will still be considered violations. YouTube is also rolling out an AI-powered age estimation system to identify individuals under 18 and enhance protections for underage users.

YouTube has made significant updates to its monetization policies and introduced AI-powered tools to enhance the protection of teen viewers. The changes aim to balance content creator freedom with the safety of younger users.

Monetization Policy Changes

YouTube has removed the time-based restriction on profanity in videos, allowing creators to use strong language throughout their content without fear of demonetization. However, videos with frequent or excessive use of strong language will still be considered violations of the advertiser-friendly content guidelines. The policy also specifies that swear words in video titles or thumbnails will result in demonetization. This change reflects a more lenient approach to profanity, influenced by creator feedback and improvements in advertiser targeting [3].

AI-Powered Age Estimation for Teen Viewers

YouTube is rolling out an AI-powered age estimation system to identify individuals under 18. The system disregards the age provided during account creation and instead determines whether the user is 18 or older based on video searches, video categories, and the lifespan of the account. When a user is identified as a teenager, personalized ads will be disabled, digital well-being tools will be enabled, and safeguards will be implemented to recommendations [1].

This AI system is part of YouTube’s ongoing efforts to make the platform safer for younger users. It follows the 2015 launch of the YouTube Kids app and the 2024 rollout of supervised accounts. The technology will be available across platforms, including web, mobile, and connected TV [1].

References

[1] https://techcrunch.com/2025/07/29/youtube-rolls-out-age-estimatation-tech-to-identify-u-s-teens-and-apply-additional-protections/
[2] https://www.ainvest.com/news/amazon-agrees-pay-ny-times-20m-25m-year-ai-licensing-deal-2507-3/
[3] https://9to5google.com/2025/07/30/youtube-new-profanity-guidelines-utilizes-ai-identify-teens/