Google: Teens can't treat Gemini like a friend

On Tuesday, Google shared for the first time details about how its AI chatbot Gemini is designed not to act like a companion or claim to be human when interacting with minors. The information, published by the company in a blog post, was announced among changes to better support the mental health of users engaging with Gemini. Child safety and mental health experts have long worried that companion-like chatbots are too dangerous for teens to use. Last year, the advocacy group Common Sense Media rated the teen and under-13 versions of Gemini as "high risk" after its researchers determined that the chatbot exposed kids to inappropriate content, including sex, drugs, alcohol, and unsafe mental health "advice." The group recommended that no one under 18 turn to an AI chatbot for companionship or mental health support. Google said that Gemini has "persona protections" when engaging with under-18 users. The longstanding constraints are designed to prevent emotional dependence and avoid "language that simulates intimacy or expresses needs," according to Google. Other safeguards should help discourage the chatbot from bullying and other types of harassment. "Our safety efforts continue to