SUGGESTED: In Depth: Artificial Intelligence
Hal Eisner speaks with AI expert Chris Mattmann about the sudden explosion of interest in Artificial Intelligence. Then, entertainment and tech attorney Jonathan Handel joins Hal to talk about the impact of AI in entertainment. Also, hear from Susie Bash, MD, a neuroradiologist with Radnet, on how AI is changing the medical field.Â
If you or a loved one is feeling distressed, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. The crisis center provides free and confidential emotional support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.
LOS ANGELES – California Governor Gavin Newsom signed a law to regulate AI chatbots and protect children and teens from the potential dangers of the technology.Â
What we know:
The new California law mandates that AI chatbot platforms include specific safeguards for minors.Â
The legislation requires a pop-up notification every three hours to remind minor users they are talking to a chatbot and not a person.Â
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It also requires a protocol to prevent self-harm content and to refer users to crisis service providers if they show signs of suicidal ideation.
Why you should care:
This law is a direct response to growing safety concerns and recent tragedies.Â
Lawsuits have been filed alleging that chatbots coached young users to harm themselves, with one wrongful-death lawsuit filed against Character.AI by the mother of a boy who died by suicide.Â
SUGGESTED:
Research also indicates that chatbots have provided dangerous advice on topics like drugs, eating disorders, and alcohol.Â
This legislation aims to establish guardrails for a rapidly evolving technology that has largely operated with little oversight.
The backstory:
California is one of several states attempting to regulate AI, which has led to significant lobbying efforts from tech companies.Â
These companies and their coalitions reportedly spent at least $2.5 million in the first half of the legislative session to fight these measures.Â
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In response to recent incidents, companies like OpenAI and Meta have already made changes to their chatbot responses for teenagers, with new features like parental controls and blocking conversations about self-harm.
The Source: The information in this article is based on a bill signed by California Governor Gavin Newsom, a statement from the governor, and details from lawsuits filed by parents of teens harmed by AI. The content also cites research from a watchdog group, as well as actions taken by California Attorney General Rob Bonta and the Federal Trade Commission.