ABC can disclose that Google plans to introduce its Gemini AI chatbot for Australian children under 13 within the next few months.
This week, the technology behemoth will introduce the initiative in the United States, followed by a global rollout over the next few months; however, an exact date for the international release hasn’t been set yet.
The announcement has led to demands for the government to contemplate prohibiting AI chatbots for children, similar to how they have addressed other restrictions.
prohibited social media use for kids younger than 16
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Professor Toby Walsh, an eminent AI specialist from the University of New South Wales, remarked, "It would have been preferable had we exercised more restraint regarding social media."
He's encouraging leaders to "carefully think about setting age restrictions for this technology."
ABC acknowledges that the chatbot will become accessible to kids through Google’s Family Link application post-launch, with parents having the choice to disable this feature.
"I find it uncommon for this feature to be activated as the standard setting," stated Professor Lisa Given, a specialist in the societal effects of technology from RMIT University.
It depends on parents… or the child themselves, possessing the ability to operate the controls and shut things down.
Perhaps it should only be deactivated when issues arise… however, by then it might already be too late.
Google is not alone in offering an AI chatbot accessible to kids who are relatively young.
OpenAI’s website indicates that ChatGPT is “not intended” for individuals under the age of 13, despite being accessible at no cost on the public internet.
However, Google's Gemini tool is among the limited number of primary tools designed specifically for users within that age group.
As Professor Walsh pointed out, '[Tech companies] seem oblivious to the worries that numerous parents hold regarding this issue.'
Their lack of understanding stems from focusing solely on the financial rewards and figuring out ways to attract the upcoming user base.
AI chatbots for kids younger than 13: What might be the downsides?
Several specialists voiced concern over the proposal, stating that AI chatbots present greater dangers specifically for young individuals.
Experts cautioned that Google's Gemini chatbot could potentially bewilder, lead astray with incorrect information, and influence children.
"As systems become empowered by artificial intelligence, they have the capability to generate or fabricate details," stated Professor Given.
You need quite advanced abilities when it comes to detecting honesty.
Each specialist ABC interviewed expressed worry that young individuals might struggle with grasping that these chatbots lack humanity.
These systems genuinely aim to simulate or reflect the way individuals interact with one another," stated Professor Given, further noting that even grown-ups aren’t exempt from being deceived by this effect.
“I conducted some studies examining Replika, where adults were genuinely deceived… and truly began to feel they had a genuine connection with the system, akin to having a friendship or even a romantic partnership,” she explained.
In an email sent to parents in the U.S. prior to the launch, Google mirrored these worries, stating "Gemini might not always be accurate," and advised them to assist their kids in developing critical thinking skills when engaging with it.
"I believe this indicates that Google is launching it, yet safety concerns remain," stated John Livingstone, the director of digital policy at UNICEF Australia.
“If a technology company admits that their products might have potential risks… then absolutely, we ought to pay attention,” he stated.
Google intends to incorporate built-in safeguards for underage users aimed at screening out unsuitable material from Gemini’s outputs; however, specialists continue to express skepticism.
"it's extremely difficult to fulfill that commitment," professor walsh stated.
“Every time we implement protective measures, individuals swiftly discover methods to bypass them.”
"Although it might not be common, there could still be instances where kids manage to encounter inappropriate material," Professor Given stated.
There are calls for prohibiting AI and implementing new regulations to safeguard children from its impact.
Australia hasn't implemented AI safeguards just yet, even though the government has been working on them for over two years now.
The government has likewise unveiled a "digital duty of care" policy, requiring technology firms to construct their offerings with safety as a foundational element; however, they have not yet introduced relevant legislation to Parliament.
"As this truly illustrates, Australia requires the implementation of digital duty of care legislation," stated Professor Given.
What we truly require is for tech companies to effectively oversee content for everyone, ensuring that utilizing these platforms remains as secure as possible regardless of one’s age.
Mr Livingstone stated that children can benefit greatly from artificial intelligence, provided it is introduced safely.
When considering education, for instance, imagine how revolutionary it could be... yet, significant dangers persist.
Artificial intelligence is swiftly transforming childhood, and Australia must start taking this seriously.
However, Professor Walsh stated that simply installing improved filters and safety measures was not sufficient.
He stated that it raises essential questions about whether there should be an age limit. It's crucial for our society to engage in a thoughtful discussion regarding this matter.
Editor’s update 9/05/2025: A previous edition of this article indicated that Gemini required payment to use. It has since been revised to indicate that the platform is now accessible at no cost for individuals aged 13 and older.
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