Artificial intelligence is changing the way people create digital content, and Google is taking another step in this direction with its Personal Avatars feature for Gemini. The new capability allows users to create an AI-generated version of themselves using their face and voice, which can then be used in AI-generated videos.

The feature is designed to make personalised video creation easier without requiring users to record themselves every time they want to produce new content. It also introduces sharing permissions so that users can control who is allowed to use their digital avatar.

What are Google Gemini Personal Avatars?

Personal Avatars are AI-generated digital representations of users. By recording their face and voice, users can create an avatar that can appear in AI-generated video content.

Instead of repeatedly appearing in front of a camera, users can use their digital representation to create personalised content through Gemini.

This could be useful for content creators, social media users and people who want to experiment with AI-generated videos.

How can you create your own AI avatar?

Users can create a personal avatar through the supported Gemini experience.

The general process involves:

1. Open Google Gemini using an eligible personal Google Account.

2. Navigate to the Personal Avatars feature, if it is available on the account.

3. Follow the instructions to record your face and voice.

4. Complete the required verification and setup steps.

5. Use the created avatar when generating supported AI video content.

Users should follow the recording instructions carefully to ensure that the avatar can accurately represent their appearance and voice.

Can you share your AI avatar with other people?

One important aspect of the feature is its sharing and permission system.

Google allows avatar owners to share their digital avatars with other Google users through Gmail invitations. However, receiving an invitation does not automatically mean that another person can use the avatar.

The recipient must obtain the required approval before using it.

This permission-based approach is intended to give users greater control over how their digital identity is shared and used.

Can you delete or revoke access to your avatar?

Yes. Users can manage their avatar permissions through Gemini settings.

The available controls include managing access, setting expiry dates and revoking permissions. This means users can limit how long another person has access to their avatar or withdraw permission when they no longer want it to be used.

These controls are particularly important because an AI avatar represents a person's face and voice, making privacy and consent essential considerations.

Who can use the new feature?

The Personal Avatars feature has certain eligibility requirements.

• Users must have a personal Google Account.

• The feature is limited to people aged 18 and above.

• It currently supports English.

• Availability is restricted in certain regions, including the UK, European Economic Area and Switzerland.

• AI-generated video creation requires an eligible Google AI plan.

Availability may vary depending on the account, region and rollout schedule.

Why is this technology important?

AI avatars could change how people create digital content. Businesses may eventually use personalised avatars for presentations, creators could experiment with new video formats, and individuals may be able to produce content without recording every clip themselves.

However, the technology also raises questions about impersonation, misuse of someone's face or voice and unauthorised content creation.

Permission controls are therefore an important part of making such tools safer.

What should users keep in mind?

Before creating or sharing an AI avatar, users should understand how their face and voice data will be processed and review the applicable privacy settings.

They should also avoid sharing access with unknown people and revoke permissions that are no longer required.

Google Gemini's Personal Avatars feature represents another development in AI-powered content creation. While it offers new creative possibilities, responsible use and control over digital identity will remain essential as this technology becomes more widely available.