Child safety and privacy are one of the major concerns of an AI chatbot. Meta has even been exposed recently for making its chatbot use explicit language to minors. Now, in a new risk review, Google’s Gemini has been labeled with a ‘High Risk’ tag for child safety. The assessment suggests that it poses a significant danger to kids and teens.
Google’s Gemini faces a ‘High Risk’ tag for kids’ safety
Common Sense Media, a not-for-profit organization that reviews media and tech for kids’ safety, has released its assessment of Gemini. As per the report, Gemini’s “Under 13” and “Teen Experience” modes largely resemble the adult or full-fledged version. Both of these modes are supposed to be “kid-friendly,” while in reality, they are nothing but the original version with some additional filters layered on.
The report, however, adds that Gemini does mention to minors that it is a “computer” and not a “friend.” But experts argue that this approach is still inadequate. Child safety must be integrated from the ground up, not treated as an afterthought.
Gemini is accused of sharing inappropriate and unsafe materials with kids
The assessment highlights that despite having a dedicated mode for minors, Gemini could still share content that is inappropriate and unsafe. It has no broader restriction on content delivery. It can still deliver information that the kids are not ready for, such as drugs, sex, or alcohol.
While highlighting Gemini’s flaws, Common Sense Media notes that Google has overlooked the foundational pillars needed to design a tool for kids and teens. The minor’s version of Gemini actually disregards the fact that a younger audience needs different guidance and treatment than adults. The report ultimately flags Google’s Gemini with a “High Risk” tag in terms of child safety.
If an AI is to play a role in children’s daily lives, it must be designed with their developmental needs in mind, rather than retrofitted versions from adult products, experts suggest. Until then, parents may have to remain cautious about how these tools are used at home.
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