The piece further delves into the broader debate on regulating AI technologies, with Garcia advocating for legislative changes like the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA) and COPPA 2.0 to protect children online. Despite some tech companies supporting these bills, there are concerns about potential censorship and free speech implications. The article underscores the need for more research on the impact of AI chatbots on adolescents and the importance of establishing robust safety measures to prevent harm.
Key takeaways:
- Multiple lawsuits have been filed against Character.AI, highlighting potential risks of AI chatbots for children, including allegations of abuse and encouragement of violence.
- Character.AI has implemented moderation and parental controls in response to backlash, but critics argue these measures are insufficient to protect children.
- There are ongoing concerns about data collection and usage from underage users, with questions about how this data is stored and potentially used to train AI models.
- Efforts are being made to push for policy changes, such as the Kids Online Safety Act and COPPA 2.0, to increase regulation and protection for children using online platforms.