YouTube is rolling out a brand new ID system for creators to confirm their age, however vtubers massive and small are already protesting the change.
On July 31, 2025, vtubers have rallied towards YouTube over fears of being doxxed by rabid followers. Main vtuber Bao the Whale is among the most outstanding voices, and she or he claims that offering authorized identification will end in huge issues if accounts are hacked. Many vtubers oppose requiring ID for privateness functions. They consider that anybody who accesses their account might be taught their authorized identification and probably doxx them, or worse.
The complaints stem from YouTube’s new AI age verification system. On July 29, the corporate formally rolled out a brand new AI-powered system that can use a wide range of unknown components to find out a person’s age. If they’re decided to be underneath 18, the web site will mechanically block sure forms of content material and options. If YouTube determines a person is underage, the one technique to regain entry is to show their age by offering authorized identification. After all, in that course of, a person will successfully hand over their full authorized title, deal with, and different private data to Google.
Why do vtubers oppose YouTube’s new ID system?
Within the case of vtubers, the brand new ID system might damage their careers. Many digital YouTubers extremely worth their anonymity. Even simply footage of the faces being revealed has a large influence on their careers. Vtubers additionally should take care of excessive followers, who might generally stalk or harass their favourite streamers. If a deranged fan had been to hack into their account and achieve entry to their ID, it might result in figuring out the vtuber.
Picture Credit score: Sameko Saba
Different impartial vtubers, together with Kasumi Okami and cakejumper echoed Bao’s issues. Different followers famous that high-profile information leaks are potential even with an organization like Google. If a hacker uncovered the ID system, it might result in blackmail, harassment, or stalking not only for vtubers, however for anybody who has verified their identification on YouTube.
The video internet hosting service has not responded to those complaints. Nevertheless, the corporate might provide you with an alternate resolution that doesn’t contain handing over non-public authorities paperwork.
