Starting next week, Google plans to open its Gemini chatbot to children under 13 who have accounts managed by their parents. The move will let young users access Gemini through Family Link, a tool that lets guardians oversee their child’s experience with Google services.
A representative from Google confirmed that special protections are in place for these younger users and assured that their interactions will not help train the artificial intelligence. Interest from technology companies in appealing to youth audiences is intensifying as competition in the world of conversational AI grows.
AI Technology Facing Scrutiny
Despite this push, concerns remain over the reliability and safety of today’s chatbot technologies. Some experts warn that, if not handled carefully, these tools can present risks or produce misleading content.
International organizations are taking notice, urging policymakers to address AI use in educational settings. In particular, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization recently called for stricter regulations, emphasizing the need for minimum age requirements and strong safeguards for privacy and data protection.
The expanding presence of AI conversations in young people’s lives raises important questions for parents and educators. As these technologies become more accessible, balancing innovation with responsibility becomes increasingly critical. Learn more about Google Gemini.
