eSAFETY GUIDE
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Google Assistant

Children under 13 can use Google Assistant if their Google Account is added to an adult’s device.
+ Children under 13 can use Google Assistant if their Google Account is added to an adult’s device.

What is Google Assistant?

Google Assistant is the AI-powered and entirely cloud-based voice assistant used by many smart technologies, including Google Nest smart speakers, Google Home and Android smartphones. You talk to Google Assistant using voice commands and it responds with a synthesized voice. Google Assistant devices can be used to perform a wide range of tasks from making calls to activating streaming services and controlling lights and other smart technologies, such as thermostats, cameras and doorbells.

Google Assistant is activated by saying ‘OK Google’ or ‘Hey Google’ or pressing the shortcut button on a smartphone, smart speaker or TV remote. Once activated, Google Assistant records and sends recorded sounds and words as encrypted data to Google’s servers to be processed and respond to your request. You can set up voice-enabled devices to be used throughout your home and environment or modify security and privacy settings in the Google Assistant app, or by updating settings on an Android phone or Google Assistant enabled device. Google Assistant also allows you to set up ‘actions’, to perform a series of tasks with a single phrase. 

Google Assistant can be set up to support multiple users and trained to distinguish between different users based on their voice commands. Parental controls can also be enabled to control access to content. Third party services, apps and devices can also be integrated with Google Assistant.

Website: assistant.google.com
Apps: Android app, Apple iOS app

How do people use Google Assistant?

Learn more about the benefits and risks associated with how people use voice assistant services like Google Assistant.

Google Assistant is used for: content sharing, encrypted, gaming, in-app purchasing, live streaming, location sharing, messaging/online chat, online relationships, photo/video sharing, screen capture, video calling, voice chat and voice assistant.

How can you remove or delete content?

These links are provided by Google:

How can you protect your personal information?

These links are provided by Google:

Key safety links

These links are provided by Google:

Last updated: 05/06/2024

The eSafety Guide helps you find out how to protect your personal information and report harmful content on common social media, games, apps and sites. Entries are for information only and are not reviews or endorsements by eSafety. Before choosing to use any online service or platform it’s best to:

  • do your own research to understand the risks and benefits
  • check the age rating and requirements
  • consider privacy
  • check the permissions and other settings
  • check the in-app reporting options.

If you are a parent or carer who is deciding whether a child should be allowed to use an online service or platform, you can also:

  • consider your child's readiness for the types of content and experiences they might encounter
  • help them understand what to do if they need help
  • provide ongoing support and monitoring, for example through regular check-ins with your child
  • agree to some rules about use of each service or platform.

To find out more, you can read the App checklist for parents, as well as information about parental controls in social media, games and apps and mental wellbeing resources for families.