Fact check: What are the requirements for YouTube id verification?

1. Summary of the results

Based on the analyses provided, YouTube's ID verification requirements are primarily focused on age verification rather than traditional identity verification. YouTube is implementing an AI-powered age verification system that uses machine learning to estimate users' ages based on their viewing habits, search patterns, and account longevity ^{[1] [2] [3]}.

The key requirements identified are:

• Phone verification: Users must enter a phone number and receive a verification code to access advanced features ^[4]
• AI-based age assessment: The system automatically analyzes viewing patterns to determine if users are over or under 18 ^{[3] [2]}
• Government ID or credit card verification: Only required if the AI system incorrectly flags an adult user as a minor - users can then provide a government-issued ID, credit card, or selfie to correct the mistake ^{[1] [2]}

For channel verification (the blue checkmark), YouTube requires channels to have 100,000 subscribers to distinguish official channels from similar names ^[5].

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

The original question lacks important context about YouTube's historical policy changes. Google ended its controversial real-name policy in 2014, which previously required users to use their legal names ^[6]. This historical context is crucial for understanding why YouTube doesn't currently require universal ID verification.

The analyses reveal that YouTube's approach prioritizes automated protection over manual verification. The platform uses AI to extend built-in protections to teens rather than requiring upfront ID verification from all users ^[3]. This approach benefits YouTube/Google financially by maintaining user privacy and reducing verification barriers that could decrease user registration and engagement.

Privacy advocates would benefit from this approach as it avoids mandatory ID collection, while child safety organizations might prefer more stringent verification requirements. The current system represents a compromise between user privacy and child protection.

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original question assumes that YouTube has standard "ID verification requirements" similar to financial institutions or government services. This assumption is misleading because YouTube primarily uses automated systems rather than requiring users to verify their identity with government documents.

The question fails to distinguish between different types of verification on the platform:

• Account verification (phone number)
• Age verification (AI-based with optional ID backup)
• Channel verification (subscriber-based blue checkmark)

This conflation could lead users to believe YouTube requires government ID verification for basic account creation, which is factually incorrect based on the current system described in the analyses ^{[1] [2] [3] [4]}.