Kids under 13 will be able to use Gemini AI soon

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Google is letting parents know that kids using Android devices monitored through its Family Link system will soon be able to access the Gemini AI app. 

This update was shared in emails sent to parents, according to a report from The New York Times.

Gemini is designed to help kids with things like homework or reading stories. Google says it won’t use kids’ data to train the AI, similar to how it handles data in its education tools. 

However, the company also warns parents that Gemini can sometimes get things wrong and that children may come across content that parents might find inappropriate or confusing.

These errors can range from funny, like suggesting glue as a pizza topping, to more serious concerns. 

In the past, other AI apps, like Character.ai, have faced criticism after children believed they were chatting with real people. 

Some of those apps even ended up in legal trouble for sharing inappropriate content with young users. As a result, companies have been tightening controls and adding more parental guidance tools.

To avoid confusion or potential harm, Google is advising parents to talk with their kids about how Gemini works. 

The key message is that Gemini is not a real person and children should not share any private or sensitive information with it.

One important point is that kids under 13 will be able to turn on and use Gemini by themselves if their device is managed with Family Link. (Via: The Verge) 

This platform lets parents monitor screen time, set limits, and block harmful apps or content. 

Google says parents can still turn off Gemini access if they choose, and they will be notified the first time their child uses the app.

While Google is opening up AI tools to younger users, it’s also trying to make sure parents stay informed and in control. 

It encourages open communication between parents and kids about the risks and limitations of using AI chatbots.

What do you think about young children being able to use AI? Will you let your kids use Gemini AI with supervision? Tell us below in the comments, or via our Twitter or Facebook.