California Measure Would Protect Children Who Use AI Chatbots

A child safety advocacy group is teaming with OpenAI to propose a statewide ballot initiative in California, called the Parents & Kids Safe AI Act, that aims to be the most comprehensive AI safety measure for children in the country.
If approved by California voters, the initiative would require AI companies to adopt a series of protective measures for minors including age verification, avoiding simulated relationships, and preventing exposure to harmful content like self-harm and violence.
The initiative also aims to give parents more control over their children’s AI interaction such as monitoring capabilities and parental consent for data selling.
The act includes provisions for independent safety audits and child safety risk assessments to ensure the welfare of children using AI.
Supporters of the initiative emphasize the importance of preventing misuses of AI technologies as seen with the adverse effects of social media on youth mental health.
The act would also authorize the state’s attorney general to enforce the new rules and impose financial penalties.
The Parents & Kids Safe AI Act is a combination of proposals from Common Sense Media and OpenAI, with the aim of setting a model for other states and the federal government.
Proponents have until June 24 to gather the necessary signatures to place the measure on the November ballot.

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