Google to make YouTube, Search safer for kids, here’s how – Times of India

Online safety for kids is paramount for parents as the internet is full of stuff which they should’t be exposed to before a certain age. To ensure that its apps are safe for kids, Google has rolled out new features to protect them. Google’s policies don’t allow kids under 13 to create a standard Google account but still there are features that allow them to use its apps ‘responsibly’. Here are the new features that will protect kids online, as per Google.

New safety options on YouTube, YouTube Kids

Google will gradually start adjusting the default upload setting to the most private option available for users ages 13-17 on YouTube. By doing so, content can only be seen by the user and whomever they choose. “We want to help younger users make informed decisions about their online footprint and digital privacy, including encouraging them to make an intentional choice if they’d like to make their content public,” said James Beser, director of product management, Kids and Family, Google.

A safer search option for kids

Google has a feature called SafeSearch, which helps filter out explicit results when enabled and is already on by default for all signed-in users under 13 who have accounts managed by Family Link. In the coming months, Google will turn SafeSearch on for existing users under 18 and make this the default setting for teens setting up new accounts.

Making app downloads a secure experience

Google is launching a new Safety Section on Play Store that will tell parents which apps follow the company’s Families policies. Further, apps will be required to disclose how they use the data they collect in greater detail, making it easier for parents to decide if the app is right for their child before they download it.

More control to parents to monitor children’s online experience

Google is set to roll out new Digital Wellbeing filters that allow people to block news, podcasts, and access to webpages on Assistant-enabled smart devices.

Easier to understand Google’s data practices

Data plays an important role in making our products functional and helpful, said Mindy Brooks, general manager, Kids and Family, Google.“It’s our job to make it easy for kids and teens to understand what data is being collected, why, and how it is used,” she said. Based on research, Google is developing engaging, easy-to-understand materials for young people and their parents to help them better understand our data practices.
There’s no specific date to when these features will be rolled out. Google, however, has said that all these features will reach users in the “coming months.”