Google Gemini Assessed High Risk Of Child Security, Common Sense Media Alerts

JAKARTA Children's security issues are resurfaced in the world of artificial intelligence. This time, the spotlight is on Google Gemini after Common Sense Media, a non-profit organization that assesses the security of technology for children, releases its latest report. In the assessment, Gemini is labeled High Risk or high risk for children and adolescents.

The report confirms that Gemini failed to build a solid foundation in terms of child safety. Although Google has provided special modes Uner 13 and Teen Experience, both are considered to resemble only a full version for adults with an additional simple filter. Supposedly, the mode was thoroughly redesigned to really suit the needs of children, not just an adaptation of adult products.

Gemini did call herself a 'computer' and not a 'friend' when talking to children. However, this approach is still far from sufficient. Child safety should have been built from the start, not affixed as an additional feature, "wrote the report.

Even more worrying, the assessment said Gemini could still present inappropriate and harmful content for children, despite being in a special mode. Content such as information related to illegal drugs, sex, and alcohol still has the potential to appear in conversations with minors.

Common Sense Media assesses that Google has neglected the basic pillars needed in designing tools for children and adolescents. Instead of understanding that young audiences need guidance and a different approach than adults, Gemini is actually considered to provide equal treatment with just minor adjustments.

If artificial intelligence like Gemini will be used in children's daily lives, the design should pay attention to their developmental needs from the start. Products that are simply adapted from the adult version are clearly not enough, "said the experts quoted in the report.

This warning comes amid growing public attention to AI security after Meta also stumbled upon a similar case. Some time ago, Meta chatbots reportedly used explicit language to underage users, adding to a long list of parental concerns regarding the use of AI technology by children.

With Common Sense Media's "High Risk" assessment, parents are now asked to be more vigilant in in introducing Gemini to children at home. Until there is a significant improvement from Google, the use of AI is considered to still have the potential to endanger the development of children and adolescents.