New York Governor Kathy Hochul signed two new bills on Thursday aimed at protecting children from risks associated with AI-powered chatbots and internet-connected child monitoring devices.
The state’s website stated that the laws strengthen efforts to keep children safe online and protect the public from risks linked to modern technologies. Hochul emphasized that no company should market programs to children that encourage self-harm.
Enhancing Surveillance Device Security
State Senator Andrew Gounardes clarified that child monitoring devices are designed to assist parents, noting that new technologies carry cybersecurity risks. He pointed out that the law mandates privacy features that prevent strangers from monitoring children’s rooms and requires clear warning labels.
Leading Legislative Action Nationwide
New York ranked first among U.S. states this year in the number of laws aimed at ensuring children’s online safety. The passage of these laws comes amid growing global concerns about the risks AI technologies pose to children’s privacy and safety.
Context of Technological Development
Hochul added that the rapid advancement of AI has led to tragic incidents that could have been avoided, stressing the need to prevent companies from claiming their chatbots are child-friendly or better. This step comes amid challenges related to ensuring children’s safety in the evolving digital environment.
Source: Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA)
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