Google now allows teens to use generative AI in search, although they likely already had access to it.

Google now allows teens to use generative AI in search, although they likely already had access to it.

Google Extends AI Search Feature to Teens: Reaching a New Audience with Generative AI

In a move to expand its generative AI capabilities and reach a new audience, Google has announced the extension of its AI-powered search feature, called Search Generative Experience (SGE), to users aged 13 to 17 in the U.S. The technology offers AI-generated answers to search prompts and allows users to browse web pages, with AI pointing them to the most relevant information. This development comes after reports of teenagers using AI products to ghostwrite their school essays, highlighting the increasing influence of AI in their daily lives.

The decision by Google to officially open the product for younger users raises questions about why the company waited until now. The announcement also coincides with new safety updates to address potential risks associated with AI chatbots, such as the spread of racist and inappropriate responses. Google’s own chatbot, Bard, had been the subject of controversy earlier this year when it was found to have spouted homophobic content and Holocaust denial. While SGE is a different AI product from Bard, the caution displayed by Google in rolling it out to a young audience is understandable given the potential for negative PR.

Gen Zers and millennials are the primary users of generative AI, accounting for 65% of the total user base according to Salesforce data. However, Google had missed out on a significant section of Gen Z by excluding teens from its technological advancements. By opening SGE to even younger users, Google can tap into a new audience, which could translate to future profits as the company expands its AI ad business. Hema Budaraju, Google’s senior director of product, stated in a company blog post that teens can benefit from the helpful capabilities of generative AI.

Despite efforts to enforce age restrictions, children under the age of 13 can easily bypass account settings and access SGE. Google claims it can ask users to verify their age using government ID for restricted services, but tests have shown that changing the birth date in the account settings effectively circumvents these measures. Furthermore, teenagers have access to a wide range of generative AI technologies, including OpenAI’s ChatGPT, Microsoft’s Bing AI, and Snap’s My AI. Meta has also recently announced new chatbots on its platforms like Instagram, WhatsApp, and Facebook Messenger that replicate the personalities of celebrities.

While advertisements will be displayed in SGE results for teens, Google has stated that it will not employ ad targeting on this group. This aligns with a policy implemented by Google in 2021 to prohibit age, gender, and interest-based targeting for users under the age of 18 across all its products. Ad targeting for teens is not illegal in the U.S., but it is in some other countries where Google operates. The company’s decision to comply with this policy globally ensures consistency in its practices.

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To ensure the safety and well-being of teenagers using SGE, Google has implemented stronger safeguards against illegal material, bullying, and age-restricted content like alcohol products. Additionally, the company is adding an “About this result” feature for AI-generated responses, providing users with context about how SGE produced its answer. Google is also actively working on improving how its technology responds to offensive queries from users, including having the AI critically evaluate and rewrite its own draft response for sensitive topics.

In opening up SGE to teenagers, Google is not only expanding its user base but also recognizing the increasing influence of generative AI in the lives of young individuals. By providing a safe and informative search experience, Google aims to establish its platform as a trusted source of knowledge for the next generation. As the world continues to embrace AI technologies, it is crucial for companies like Google to balance innovation with responsible implementation, safeguarding the well-being of users and promoting positive digital experiences for all.