Archive — US — techcrunch
Google expands Family Link parental controls with screen time tools, approvedcontacts, and more
Google announced updates to its Family Link parental control software, enhancing features like screen time management, approved contacts, and machine learning age estimation across its services, aiming to provide safer, more age-appropriate experiences for children and teens.
Key points
- Google is updating its Family Link app to include screen time management tools and a feature called School Time to regulate device usage during school hours.
- A new age estimation model will be tested across Google products to ensure age-appropriate experiences, starting in the U.S. and expanding globally.
- Parents will soon be able to restrict children's contacts to approved numbers and manage transactions through Google Wallet for supervised Android users.
- These moves come in response to potential stricter regulations for tech companies regarding child safety online.
Why it matters
- The updates align with a growing trend in 2025 towards enhanced digital safety and privacy for minors amidst increased regulatory scrutiny.
- Competitors like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok have implemented similar age verification technologies, marking an industry shift towards safer online environments for children.
- The initiative reflects broader concerns about children’s online safety and the demand for tech companies to implement responsible practices.
Google's proactive measures in enhancing parental controls and age verification highlight the tech industry's response to increasing regulatory pressure and the need for child safety in the digital landscape.