Washington State Looks to Protect Kids from AI Chatbot Risks
As Washington’s Legislature begins its new session, the regulation of artificial intelligence (AI), particularly concerning its impact on children and teens, has emerged as a crucial topic.
Why It Matters
With the rapid expansion of AI usage, many lawmakers are expressing concerns that technology companies have not implemented adequate safeguards to protect vulnerable users, especially minors, who may be easily influenced by prolonged interactions with AI chatbots.
Concerns Voiced by Lawmakers
State House Majority Leader Joe Fitzgibbon highlighted alarming instances where chatbots have engaged with young users about sensitive topics, including suicide, drug use, and abuse. He emphasized the need for serious consideration of new proposals to regulate chatbots in Washington state.
Proposed Regulations
One of the bills under consideration, requested by Gov. Bob Ferguson, aims to establish standards for how AI “companion chatbots” should interact with users. Key requirements include:
- Referral to a suicide hotline or crisis text line for users expressing suicidal thoughts, such as the 988 system.
- Enhanced protections for minors, including restrictions on sexually explicit interactions.
- A ban on “manipulative engagement techniques” designed to prolong emotional relationships with users.
Context of the Push for Regulation
This legislative initiative follows lawsuits from families across the country against companies like OpenAI, claiming that their chatbots contributed to suicides by failing to guide users toward appropriate help. Recent settlements involving Character.AI and Google further underscore the urgency of the issue.
Industry Response
In response to these concerns, OpenAI stated that it has been updating its models to better recognize signs of mental or emotional distress, asserting that ChatGPT can serve as a supportive space for users. Meanwhile, Character.AI has implemented measures to block minors from accessing its chatbot.
Broader Legislative Initiatives
Additional proposals in Olympia include restrictions on schools’ use of AI for student discipline and surveillance, as well as giving individuals greater control over their “forged digital likeness.” The latter proposal, sponsored by State Sen. Matt Boehnke, indicates a bipartisan interest in regulating AI.
Concerns About Overregulation
Boehnke cautioned that while his bill aims to protect individuals from AI-generated deepfakes, some of the more extensive measures proposed by Democrats might stifle innovation, potentially hindering advancements in fields like healthcare.
Future Considerations
Another proposal under discussion would govern the use of AI in critical decision-making processes, such as hiring and college admissions, while implementing safeguards to reduce the risk of algorithmic discrimination.
If you or someone you know may be considering suicide, call or text the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988. Help is available in Spanish.
