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Senators Propose Ban on Teen AI Chatbot Use Amid Safety Concerns
In response to growing concerns regarding the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on young people, Sens. Josh Hawley (R-MO) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) have introduced a new piece of legislation. The proposed bill, known as the GUARD Act, seeks to restrict access to AI chatbots for individuals under the age of 18, as reported by The Verge.
Key Provisions of the GUARD Act
The core of the legislation revolves around two main areas: age verification and safety protocols. The bill would mandate that AI companies implement age verification measures for all chatbot users. This could involve methods such as requiring users to upload government-issued identification or utilizing other “reasonable” methods, potentially including face scans. In addition, the legislation would require AI chatbots to disclose their non-human status at regular intervals—specifically, every 30 minutes.
The proposed bill also addresses the content generated by AI chatbots. It would include safeguards to prevent chatbots from falsely claiming to be human, mirroring aspects of an AI safety bill recently passed in California. Moreover, the legislation aims to make it illegal for chatbots to produce sexual content targeted at minors or to promote suicide. These measures are a direct response to concerns raised by safety advocates and parents, who recently attended a Senate hearing to discuss the potential risks AI chatbots pose to children.
Motivations and Context
The introduction of the GUARD Act comes at a time when discussions around AI safety and ethical use are intensifying. Senator Blumenthal, in a statement to The Verge, emphasized the need for strict safeguards against exploitative or manipulative AI. He highlighted concerns that Big Tech has not prioritized child safety, stating, “Big Tech has betrayed any claim that we should trust companies to do the right thing on their own when they consistently put profit first ahead of child safety.”
The legislation represents a proactive step to regulate the rapidly evolving field of AI. By focusing on age verification, content restrictions, and transparency, the GUARD Act aims to mitigate potential harms to young users. As AI technology continues to develop, such regulations may become increasingly important to ensure responsible and ethical practices within the industry.
Source: The Verge
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