Why I'm boycotting youtube (and why you should too)

As of the 13th of August 2025, youtube has implimented an ai age verification system. If it detects that you're under 18 (based off of factors such as what media you watch and how long you've had an account), you are immediately blocked from most features, such as commenting or posting. in order to state otherwise, you need to provide an ID or other legal documentation.

This, for those wondering, is a horrible way to go about anything. For one, it forces you to give a media giant - one owned by a company known for selling data - your government-provided information in the event that you were wrongly assigned under 18. This makes your digital footprint even more obvious for those looking. Not to mention, even if youtube deletes the data after a while, that won't stop bad-faith hackers from grabbing that information for blackmail. It happened before, it will happen again.

It also provides governments more information on what you're doing. An idea I'm vehemiantly against. I am, personally, anti-censorship and anti-surveillance. I also happen to live in the UK, where stuff like this was pushed out en masse to sites like Reddit, with many smaller websites having to block us or straight up shut down due to the guidelines. The protocols used are stupid, data-pooling ai programs that can't tell a video game character from reality, while also leaving your data at risk of doxxing.

This isn't about protecting children, it's about controlling netizens and using them. Something I can't stand for.

So what can we do about this?

For starters, I'm taking part in this youtube boycott until youtube rolls back its policy. I recommend you do the same if you aren't already. I also recommend you spread the word as much as possible. Let them know you're not going to stand for this.

Use the site as little as possible. Watch videos on other video-hosting sites. Watch stuff on your own computer or phone if you have the option. Go outside. Work on that project. Do ANYTHING except go on youtube.

We can do it guys.