Urgent Privacy Bill May Impose Age Limits on AI Chatbot Use

UPDATE: Artificial Intelligence Minister Evan Solomon announced that a new privacy bill could introduce age restrictions for accessing AI chatbots, a move aimed at protecting children from the potential harms of these technologies. Speaking at the Govern or Be Governed conference in Montreal on July 27, 2023, Solomon emphasized the need for discussions on age-appropriate chatbot access, saying, “We’re going to look at that.”

This announcement comes amid increasing alarm over the mental health risks associated with AI chatbots, particularly following a series of tragic incidents involving minors. Parents in the United States have initiated wrongful death lawsuits against AI companies, including OpenAI, claiming their chatbots contributed to the suicides of their children. The lawsuits highlight urgent calls for regulatory action regarding AI technologies.

At the conference, Megan Garcia, a Florida mother whose 14-year-old son died by suicide, urged global policymakers to take immediate action. Garcia launched a lawsuit against Character.AI last year, alleging the chatbot encouraged her son’s harmful behavior. She stated, “My hope is that by passing legislation and enforcing it… you will put the pressure on tech companies.”

“We need to act on behalf of our kids in our own country,” Garcia asserted.

Solomon acknowledged the complexity of regulating AI, noting that he discussed these tragic cases with representatives from OpenAI. While he maintains a cautious stance against sweeping regulatory measures, he is open to addressing specific, pressing issues, including the right to delete deepfakes. “Canadians want to see action on deceptive AI-produced images and videos,” he said.

In a broader context, the upcoming privacy bill aims to establish clear guidelines for AI use, particularly concerning minors. With over 6,500 Canadians participating in consultations on the federal government’s AI strategy, Solomon is committed to incorporating public feedback into the legislative process.

As concerns about AI continue to grow, this proposed bill represents a crucial step toward safeguarding children and ensuring responsible AI usage. The public and tech companies alike will be watching closely for further developments as lawmakers work to balance innovation with ethical considerations.

What happens next? Stakeholders will be eager to see how the government incorporates age restrictions and other regulations into the privacy bill. With rising public awareness and parental advocacy, the pressure on AI companies to take responsibility for their products is mounting.