Google announced on Thursday that it is expanding access to its generative artificial intelligence-powered search experience, known as SGE, to teenagers aged 13 to 17. Starting this week, teenagers within this age range who have a Google account can sign up for the company’s Search Labs, which includes access to SGE.
Google believes that generative AI can be beneficial for younger users as it allows them to ask questions that may not typically be answered by a search engine and pose follow-up questions to explore further. The company stated in a blog post, “Generative AI can help younger people ask questions they couldn’t typically get answered by a search engine and pose follow-up questions to help them dig deeper.”
According to Google, users aged 18 to 24 who already have access to SGE have found the experience particularly useful. They have provided positive feedback on how these capabilities enable them to search for information in a more conversational and natural manner, allowing them to ask follow-up questions.
Both SGE in search and SGE while browsing can be enabled or disabled from the Google Search Labs home page.
Google acknowledges the potential controversy surrounding the use of AI with younger users, evident from the use of the word “responsibly” in the headline of the blog post. The company aims to strike the right balance by providing opportunities for teenagers to benefit from AI while prioritizing safety and meeting their developmental needs. Google has implemented additional safeguards for teens using SGE to prevent inappropriate or harmful content from appearing. The company has strengthened guardrails to address issues related to illegal substances, age-restricted content, bullying, and other concerns. Google also plans to gather feedback and improve its systems with the help of experts to better protect teenagers.
In August, Google rolled out a major update for its Search Generative Experience in the Google App and later in the Chrome web browser. SGE can now summarize web pages and provide definitions of unfamiliar words.
In July, Google joined Microsoft and two other leading AI companies to establish the Frontier Model Forum, a group focused on identifying best AI safety practices and promoting responsible AI use.
Note: CNET is utilizing an AI engine to assist in creating some of its stories.
