Google recently launched a new program for its AI-powered Gemini chatbot targeting young children. This program is aimed specifically at children who are under the age of thirteen. Privacy and children’s rights advocates have quickly prompted significant widespread outrage over this. They told the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) on Wednesday about their serious concerns. Advocates believe Google’s effort appears to violate the agency’s online child privacy rule. Google sent emails to parents who are signed up for its Family Link service. This service allows parents to create Gmail accounts for their children under their supervision. Children with parent-controlled Google accounts can now independently access the Gemini AI chatbot. They can use it for homework help or conversation like creating stories and songs.
Google’s email to parents explained this new independent chatbot access feature for their children.
The email stated Google will notify parents if their children do access the chatbot. This notification then allows parents to disable their child’s access at that particular point. Advocacy groups EPIC and Fairplay strongly condemned Google in a scathing letter to the FTC. They criticized Google for not requiring verifiable parental consent before this new data collection. Google’s approach means parents must actively opt out of the program not opt in. Google also warned parents that children might encounter content they do not want them to see. The company further admitted in its email that its “Gemini can make mistakes.” Parents were told to advise children not to enter sensitive or personal info.
New FTC Chair Andrew Ferguson has expressed his special concern about children’s online privacy.
He recently allowed an updated version of the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). This updated COPPA rule is scheduled to go into effect on or around June 23rd. Ferguson told the United States Congress he is aware of lawmakers’ particular concerns. He noted that collection of children’s personal data “poses real dangers” to their safety. The COPPA Rule applies to website operators and online services with “actual knowledge.” This is knowledge of data collection directly from any children under age thirteen. The important rule mandates providers obtain verifiable parental consent before gathering children’s data. Ferguson called enforcement of COPPA some of the Commission’s most valuable important work.
In addition to the FTC letter EPIC and Fairplay also wrote to Google’s CEO. They asked Sundar Pichai to put Gemini’s rollout to children under thirteen on hold. The groups argue that generative AI and chatbots can harm children’s mental health. These tools can also negatively impact their crucial social development and overall well-being. Google has previously said that children’s data will not be used for training AI. However the advocacy organizations told Pichai that Google has not identified additional safeguards. These safeguards would ensure Google would not misuse collected data for other internal purposes. Concerns also remain about Google potentially sharing this sensitive children’s data with third parties. Google itself declined to provide any official comment on this new controversial program.
Reference:
