Protecting Google Users, Supporting Safe Online Experiences

As technology continues to evolve, we’re dedicated to researching and deploying new measures to safeguard our users, particularly under-18 individuals, as they explore the numerous benefits the internet has to offer. Today, we’re sharing several updates that build upon our existing safeguards for minors, providing enhanced protection while they use the internet and offering parents and guardians additional peace of mind.

Safeguards for Kids and Teens

In recent years, we’ve taken significant steps to provide age-appropriate experiences for kids and teens across our products, including changes for all users under 18. Some of these advancements include:

• Defaulting to our SafeSearch Filter to restrict sensitive ad content
• Restricting age-restricted content on YouTube & Play
• Incorporating teen wellbeing protections on YouTube
• Adding additional safeguards in our generative AI experiences
• Rolling out a new sensitive content warning feature in Google Messages, which is opt-in for adults and opt-out for users under 18 years, with parental controls for supervised accounts

As we continue to develop age-appropriate safeguards, one of the most complex challenges is accurately determining the age of the user. This year, we’ll begin testing a machine learning-based age estimation model in the U.S., which will enable us to apply protections tailored to each user’s age. This technology will be introduced to more countries over time.

Additional Family-Focused Controls

Each family is unique, and that’s why we built Google Family Link to empower parents to create healthy digital habits while respecting their choices. Today, we’re updating Family Link to bring the most essential tools and resources for managing screen time to the forefront, allowing for easier management of multiple kids’ online experiences across their Android and Chrome devices.

Some new features include:

• Limiting distractions from personal devices to help kids stay focused in class
• Automatically adjusting phone functionality and restricting app access during school hours
• Adding contacts directly to a child’s device, allowing parents to limit phone calls and text conversations to approved contacts

Helpful Experiences for Kids and Teens

We’re committed to providing the best of Google to all users, including features and products designed specifically for youth. Some new initiatives include:

• The Fitbit Ace LTE and Samsung Galaxy Watch for Kids, which provide a safe and fun way for kids to explore the world of technology
• YouTube Kids and supervised experiences, as well as Gemini for teens, available at home and in school
• Tap to pay from an Android phone for supervised users under the applicable age of consent
• The ability for parents to add a payment card to their child’s Google Wallet for tap to pay transactions in stores

Educating Teens on Generative AI

We’re dedicated to preparing teens with the skills and tools they need to thrive in a future where generative AI exists. Building on our responsible approach to generative AI, we’ve introduced features such as:

• AI Overviews, Gemini, and Circle to Search, which provide teens with a safe and educational experience
• Learn About, a feature that uses generative AI to provide interactive learning experiences
• NotebookLM, a personalized AI research assistant that summarizes facts, explains complex ideas, and brainstorms new connections based on user input

We’ll continue to invest in technologies that protect and empower kids and teens across all of Google’s platforms, and we’re committed to working with stakeholders worldwide to advance smart and strong policy approaches for keeping youth safer online.