Google opens Gemini to kids under 13 with parental controls | Free ai tools for students | Visual generative ai tools | Google generative ai course | Turtles AI

Google has announced that starting next week, children under 13 will be able to use its Gemini chatbot, as long as they have a supervised Google account through the Family Link service. The initiative aims to offer educational and interactive tools to the youngest, while maintaining a high level of parental control and data security.

Key points:

• Access for minors: Children under 13 will be able to use Gemini through Google accounts managed by parents with Family Link.
• Parental controls: Family Link allows parents to monitor and limit the use of Gemini, ensuring a safe experience for children.
• Data privacy: Google says that children’s data will not be used to train AI models.
• Education and safety: The company has worked with experts to ensure that Gemini offers appropriate and safe content for young users.

Access to Gemini for children will be possible through Android devices monitored with Family Link, an application that allows parents to manage their children’s digital activities. Parents will receive notifications when their children start using Gemini and can disable access at any time.

Google has stressed that while Gemini is designed to be a helpful assistant, it can occasionally provide incorrect or inappropriate responses. Therefore, it is critical that parents talk to their children about the importance of not sharing sensitive information and understanding the limitations of AI.

To ensure the safety of young users, Google has implemented specific measures, such as content filtering and age-specific responses. The company has also partnered with organizations such as Fondazione Mondo Digitale to develop educational resources to help children use AI responsibly.

Despite these precautions, some experts are concerned about the use of AI by minors, citing privacy risks and the possibility of exposure to inappropriate content. Studies have shown that children may not be able to distinguish between interactions with chatbots and real people, increasing the risk of sharing personal information.

In Italy, access to Gemini for under-18s has been made available starting from August 1, 2024, with an interface adapted to provide age-appropriate responses and promote conscious use of AI. This initiative is part of a broader context of AI adoption in education, with the aim of preparing young people for a future in which AI will play an increasingly central role.

The introduction of Gemini for minors represents a significant step in the integration of AI into children’s digital experiences, balancing technological innovation with the need for protection and supervision by parents.