Google’s controversial age verification system isn’t staying contained to YouTube. A user report on Reddit shows that the same age-related notifications appearing on YouTube have now surfaced on Google Search itself.
A screenshot shared on Reddit reveals a Google Search user encountering a popup notification stating “We’ve changed some of your settings” with the explanation “We couldn’t verify that you’re an adult.”
This message is similar to what some YouTube users in the US have started seeing since yesterday (August 13).
The single reported case shows the notification appearing during regular Google Search usage, though details about how exactly this affects the search experience remain unclear. The user who shared the screenshot noted they initially encountered the age verification prompt on YouTube while watching TechLinked, then discovered it had also appeared during their Google search sessions.
While YouTube restrictions might prevent access to certain videos, Google Search limitations could significantly hamper everyday internet usage. Users in the Reddit thread expressed worries about needing to sign in for “adult verification” just to search for images or artwork, though the actual functional impact remains to be seen. Someone even reposted the same screenshot on the r/Google subreddit, which has drawn in similar comments.
The isolated report adds another layer to what has already become a heated controversy. Just a few days ago, frustrated YouTube users called for a boycott on August 13 in response to the platform’s AI-powered age tracking system. But it seems like the boycott hasn’t really had any significant impact yet.
That said, folks in the US aren’t the only ones having to deal with age-related digital restrictions. Australia recently included YouTube in its social media ban for teenagers. Plus, reports suggest that the age verification will also impact search engines in the country. Meanwhile, Canada has been working on Bill S-209 for online age verification.
Users on Reddit are already discussing alternatives, with many suggesting switches to DuckDuckGo, Bing, or other search engines. The appearance of this notification on Google Search appears to be very limited so far, with only one user publicly documenting the experience. However, if the pattern follows YouTube’s implementation, more users could potentially encounter these restrictions in the coming weeks. The company hasn’t officially announced any expansion to Google Search, leaving users to discover changes organically through usage.
For now, we’ll have to wait and see how this automatic “account settings change” impacts the search experience. If and when we come across any further details, we’ll post an update here. So you can bookmark this page for future reference.
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Dwayne Cubbins
1269 Posts
For nearly a decade, I've been deciphering the complexities of the tech world, with a particular passion for helping users navigate the ever-changing tech landscape. From crafting in-depth guides that unlock your phone's hidden potential to uncovering and explaining the latest bugs and glitches, I make sure you get the most out of your devices. And yes, you might occasionally find me ranting about some truly frustrating tech mishaps.
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