Google Allows Children Under 13 to Use AI Chatbot "Gemini"

Limited Access Provided Through Family Link Accounts
Safety Measures and Exclusion from Training Data Also Announced

Google will begin offering its artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot, Gemini, to children under the age of 13 starting next week. This decision comes amid ongoing concerns about AI use among children, according to a report by the New York Times (NYT) on May 2 (local time).

Google Gemini.

This change will apply to households using Google’s parental management service, Family Link. Family Link is a system that allows parents to create accounts for their children and control activities such as YouTube viewing and app usage. The use of Gemini will also be permitted within this framework, but only in a limited manner.

One parent actually received an email from Google stating, "Your child will soon be able to use the Gemini app." In this notice, Google explained that children can use Gemini as a tool for asking questions, doing homework, and creating imaginative stories.

Previously, most AI chatbots prohibited use by children under 13, and even for teenagers aged 13 to 18, parental consent was required. This measure is drawing attention as the first attempt to lower that age threshold.

Google announced that it has implemented safety measures to prevent the generation of inappropriate content and also stated that data from users under 13 will not be used for AI training purposes.

However, child protection organizations warn that AI chatbots are not yet fully reliable tools. They point out the potential for misinformation, factual distortion, and causing confusion.

In response, Google emphasized in an email to families that "Gemini can make mistakes" and stressed the importance of teaching children how to think critically and understand the limitations of chatbots.

Google also added that it is necessary to remind children that chatbots are not human and to guide them not to enter sensitive or personal information.