# Google to Open Gemini Chatbot to Kids Under 13, Sparking Debate

## Google to Open Gemini Chatbot to Kids Under 13, Sparking Debate

Google is set to expand access to its Gemini chatbot to children under 13 with parent-managed Google accounts, beginning next week. This move, first reported by The New York Times, comes as chatbot developers vie for younger audiences in an increasingly competitive AI landscape.

According to the report, Gemini will be accessible to children whose parents utilize Google’s Family Link service, which allows parents to manage their child’s access to various Google services. A Google spokesperson assured that the version of Gemini available to these younger users will incorporate specific safety measures and that data collected from their interactions will not be used to train the AI model.

This decision arrives amidst growing global scrutiny of generative AI’s impact on education and children. The UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) issued a call last year urging governments to regulate the use of generative AI in schools, advocating for age limits and stringent data protection and user privacy measures.

While Google’s move aims to provide a safe and controlled environment for children to interact with AI, the broader implications of exposing young users to potentially imperfect and even harmful chatbot interactions remain a subject of debate. The race to capture the next generation of AI users highlights the urgent need for ethical guidelines and robust safety protocols within the rapidly evolving AI industry.