Google Reportedly Prepping 'Child-Safe' Version of Services

Google is reportedly preparing to launch a child-centric version of some of its services — a move that would give kids their own Google accounts for the first time.

Currently, the company's age limit on those who can officially obtain a Google in the U.S. is 13 years old.

According to a report in a report by The Information Monday, the new initiative will allow younger users to obtain their own YouTube accounts on a "child safe" version of the video site.

Google will also start requiring that users disclose their age when signing up for a Google account on Android devices, the report says — and will give parents a dashboard application that will allow them to monitor the activity of their children on Google services.

Many underage children are likely already accessing Google's account-only services through various illicit means. Introducing such a change could dramatically increase Google's user base, particularly among children whose digital activities are more closely monitored by their parents.

"We don't comment on rumor or speculation," a Google spokesperson told Mashable when asked to comment on the report of the new initiative.