WASHINGTON, D.C. (WLIO) — Artificial intelligence is becoming a part of more aspects of daily life. While there are many positives, experts warn that in the wrong or inexperienced hands it could be dangerous.
Ohio Sen. Jon Husted is pushing for companies that own or operate AI companion chatbots to implement safeguards for children and teens. Companion chatbots are computer programs designed to simulate human conversation, either through text or voice.
Husted has introduced a bill that would allow minors to use companion chatbot programs only with parents’ permission. It would also block sexually explicit content, and companies would be required to notify parents if a child talks about self-harm. The bill also requires that users be informed if they are not talking to a human while using the program for an extended period.
“AI can be an incredible productivity tool, but also can take teens, perhaps, into a dark place that is not good for their mental health. And so, we're working to try to put some safeguards around AI chat bots to make sure that they're talking to children about age appropriate materials that they teach them how to learn, but they don't do the projects for them. All those safeguards are being built. We're all learning together and incorporating that into our education and work process,” says Sen. Jon Husted, (R) Ohio.
Husted’s bill has been referred to the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee for further discussion and hearings.
