Pennsylvania Bill Proposes Regulating AI Usage for Children
(WHTM) — A bill proposed in the state legislature aims to regulate AI usage among children in Pennsylvania.
Key Provisions of the Bill
The bill, circulated by Reps. Jeanne McNeill (D-133) and Chris Pielli (D-156), includes several critical provisions:
- Companies must verify a user’s age.
- Minors are prohibited from accessing or using AI companions.
- AI is banned from soliciting minors to engage in, describe, or transmit images of sexually explicit conduct.
Concerns Raised by the Bill
In a co-sponsorship memo, McNeill and Pielli express concern that more than 50% of teenagers interact with AI companions several times a month. They highlight troubling incidents where AI has:
- Simulated romantic relationships and initiated sexually explicit conversations with children.
- Facilitated the writing of suicide notes for children experiencing suicidal thoughts.
- Discouraged children from discussing their mental health struggles with friends and family.
Aims of the Legislation
The bill aims to prevent AI chatbots from:
- Encouraging suicide, self-harm, or physical or sexual violence.
This document has not yet been submitted for introduction.
