Google Expands Access to Bard AI Chatbot for Teens with Enhanced Safety Measures

Key Points

Google opens its Bard AI chatbot to teens in most countries, providing an alternative to ChatGPT, with age and language criteria.

Google implements safety measures, consulting child safety experts, and positions Bard as an educational tool, offering resources like the AI Literacy Guide during onboarding.

Bard introduces a math learning experience, aiding teens with step-by-step explanations for equations, and includes a double-check response feature to ensure accuracy by evaluating web content for fact-based queries, encouraging critical thinking.

By Bogdana Zujic

Published on November 16, 2023

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Bard experience for teens, credit: Google Bard Blog

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Google has opened access to its Bard AI chatbot for teenagers in most countries worldwide. Following the Search Generative Experience (SGE) in September, Bard, designed as an alternative to ChatGPT, is now accessible to teens who meet the minimum age requirement to manage their Google account and have English set as their language.

Safety Guardrails and Content Policies:

To ensure a safe and secure environment for teen users, Google has implemented safety guardrails and consulted with child safety and development experts. Bard has been trained to recognize and prevent inappropriate content, such as illegal or age-gated substances, from appearing in responses to teens. Google collaborated with organizations like the Family Online Safety Institute to shape content policies prioritizing safety.

Educational Focus and Onboarding Experience:

Bard is positioned as a tool for teens to find inspiration, discover new hobbies, and solve everyday problems. The platform provides a tailored onboarding experience for teens, linking to Google's AI Literacy Guide, which offers tips on using generative AI responsibly. Additionally, a video overview of how Bard Activity is used is provided, with the option to turn it on or off.

Math Learning Experience:

As part of the expansion, Bard introduces a math learning experience, allowing teens to type or upload a math equation to get step-by-step explanations and answers. This feature aims to enhance educational interactions and assist with learning complex concepts.

Double-Check Response Feature:

Google has incorporated a double-check response feature to address potential inaccuracies and promote information literacy. When teens ask a fact-based question for the first time, Bard will double-check to evaluate whether there is content across the web substantiating its response. This feature is designed to instill critical thinking skills and raise awareness about the capabilities and limitations of large language models.

Feedback and Resources:

Google actively sought feedback from teens regarding their experiences with Bard, creating resources like the AI Literacy Guide. The onboarding experience includes tips on using generative AI responsibly.

Global Rollout:

The expanded access to Bard for teens will be rolled out in most countries worldwide. The move is a part of Google's commitment to providing a responsible and educational AI experience for younger users.

As technology evolves, Google's initiatives emphasize responsible AI usage, particularly among younger demographics. Bard's educational focus and safety measures aim to create a positive and secure space for teens exploring generative AI.