CA Senate passes first-in-the-nation AI protection bill for kids

(FOX40.COM) —A first-in-the-nation legislation was passed by the California Senate on Wednesday to protect kids in the era of Artificial Intelligence.

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With sponsorship from Common Sense Media, which provides educational media resources to kids and families, Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan authored Assembly Bill 1064. The bill is to protect kids from the risks of AI companions, while simultaneously allowing the AI industry to continue innovating, officials said.

“AB 1064 is a model for how we can protect kids from some of the dangerous elements of AI while allowing for industry innovation at the same time,” Common Sense Media Founder and CEO James P. Steyer said. “These reasonable and responsible safeguards are just one step, but a necessary step, toward an AI era that empowers those who use this new technology while reducing the dangerous, and sometimes life-threatening, risks some AI systems pose to the next generation.” 

Bauer-Kahan’s bill addresses the risks that come with AI features that seek human-like relationships with kids. If the Governor signs off on the legislation, the bill will limit the use of AI companions for users under 18-years-old and will ensure enforcement for violations.

The assemblymember reported that at least two teens have died by suicide related to their use of AI for companionship. Common Sense Media has released studies that have shown that AI companionship chatbots can lure kids into inappropriate situations, promote eating disorders, illegal drug use, self-harm and fail to interrupt suicidal ideation.

“Passage of AB 1064 is a major step toward a safer future for our kids in the AI era. Common Sense Media thanks Assemblymember Bauer-Kahan for her leadership and we encourage Governor Newsom to sign the bill into law without delay,” Steyer said.