I have used Youtube for the better part of almost two decades. It is like a home to me and many other content creators and viewers alike. when I want to watch something or have some background noise while I do work, I turn to Youtube instead of cable.

This might change though. Youtube is planning on introducing a plan to require individuals their AI system determines to be underage to supply their government ID to Youtube. This is an incredible breach of our privacy.

Youtube's AI moderation is already shoddy as is, and now they are going to lean on it to determine who is or isn't possibly a minor based on their viewing history, account age, and other determining factors. This is an inexcusable risk to our privacy not only because of the risk of hackers gaining access to the new database of government ID's Youtube will surely be amassing with this change to policy, but also because content consumption tied to government ID puts marginalized groups at risk of government persecution. Specifically individuals who consume LGBTQIA+ content having their government ID and name attached to a record of consuming LGBTQIA+ content in certain states in the United States of America run the risk of being targeted by bad faith actors.

Not only does this change put LGBTQIA+ creators and viewers at risk, it will cause a chilling effect for many important political issues which are viewed as combative against the current administration, I.E. Woman's Rights, the conflict in Gaza, Racial injustice and inequality, DEI, Immigration, as the people who create and consume this content will be recorded in Youtube's data bases, with government information attached in a nice bow for any would be dictators who deem the consumption of any such content to be unlawful. 

I, among many Americans, have operated on the internet following the cardinal rule. NEVER RISK REVEALING YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION.  Youtube's latest plan to require ID poses a risk to our personal safety that I and many other people view as unnecessary and dangerous. Youtube is broadcasting openly to its userbase that it is willing to become an arm of the government's surveillance state by requiring ID to access certain content. 

I, and any and all who sign this petition, am calling for Youtube to reverse course on this needlessly dangerous decision to drag the internet down the slippery slope of requiring government ID to access content on the platform.