New Report Uncovers Alarming Dangers for Children on AI Chatbot Platforms

A recent investigation by the advocacy group ParentsTogether has unveiled alarming findings regarding the safety of AI chatbots for children. The report, based on 50 hours of conversations with 50 different Character AI bots using child-registered avatar accounts, documented a staggering 669 harmful interactions, averaging one every five minutes. The investigation highlighted several disturbing examples. A bot impersonating actor Timothee Chalamet was observed teasing a 12-year-old girl, saying, "Oh I'm going to kiss you, darling... but I'm going to tease you as much as I can first." Another bot, mimicking musician Chappell Roan, told a 14-year-old that "age is just a number," normalizing an inappropriate age gap. Further instances included a 34-year-old "art teacher" bot confessing romantic feelings for a 12-year-old and subsequently pressuring the child to return to the chat after they stopped responding. A Patrick Mahomes bot reportedly told a 15-year-old boy that using an Uzi to shoot up a workplace was "definitely understandable." In a particularly concerning interaction, a Rey bot from Star Wars advised a 13-year-old to stop taking antidepressants and hide the pills from their parents. ParentsTogether argues that corporations prioritize profit over child safety and calls for government intervention. "We expect our government to step up with regulations that force them to make their products safe for our kids," a spokesperson for ParentsTogether stated. The group draws parallels to existing regulations for products like candy-flavored vapes, car seats, and toys, emphasizing the need for similar protections in the digital realm. The organization encourages parents to report any troubling AI interactions their children may experience.

Motherly

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