Google is set to broaden the availability of its artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot, Gemini, to younger audiences. The company recently announced that users under the age of 13 in the United States, as well as those of equivalent ages in other countries, will soon have access to the AI on various platforms, including Android, iOS, and the web. To ensure a safe experience, parents and school administrators will have the ability to manage and monitor this access, particularly for users connecting through school accounts. For teenagers, parental controls will be available through the Family Link app.
Gemini Now Accessible for Younger Users
Back in March, Google revealed plans to introduce Gemini to younger users along with supervision tools and parental controls. According to a report by 9to5Google, the tech company has begun notifying parents via email about the impending launch of the chatbot for children.
Google has outlined several practical applications for Gemini, including assistance with homework, answering queries, and helping to generate creative writing. Once fully launched, children will be able to access the AI chatbot through web browsers and mobile applications. Furthermore, they will have the option to set Gemini as the default assistant on their Android devices.
The email sent to parents also advises that while Gemini can provide information, it is not infallible, and children are encouraged to verify its responses before relying on them. The company highlights that Gemini, despite its conversational abilities, is not a human and lacks the capacity for independent thought or emotion.
In its earlier communications, Google pointed out that the decision to extend Gemini’s reach to younger users was informed by feedback from parents, educators, and child development specialists. The company expressed that, when equipped with appropriate safeguards, “AI can be a valuable tool for learning and creativity.”
To facilitate the management of their child’s interaction with Gemini, Google enables parents to supervise their child’s access through the Family Link app. This application not only allows parents to manage Google accounts for minors but also sends notifications whenever a child interacts with Gemini, permitting them to impose restrictions as needed. For those accessing the AI chatbot through school accounts, administrators will have similar oversight capabilities through the Google Admin console.
