U.S. Rep. Erin Houchin (R-IN) recently sponsored a bipartisan bill that would require the creation of public educational resources on how to safely and responsibly engage with AI chatbots, which are computer programs that use artificial intelligence to simulate human-like conversations and provide automated responses or actions.
“AI technology is advancing quickly, and it can offer real opportunities for learning and connection,” Rep. Houchin said on Sept. 25. “But parents deserve clear tools to make sure their children are using it safely and at age-appropriate times.”
The congresswoman on Sept. 15 sponsored the AI Warnings And Resources for Education (AWARE) Act, H.R. 5360, alongside lead original cosponsor U.S. Rep. Jake Auchincloss (D-MA) to direct the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to develop and make the educational resources publicly available for parents, educators, and minors regarding the safe and responsible use of AI chatbots by minors.
The bill would require that the resources provide guidance on identifying unsafe bots, understanding privacy and data collection, and best practices for family oversight, according to a bill summary provided by the lawmakers.
“The AWARE Act gives families practical guidance to navigate AI chatbot companions with confidence, because protecting kids in the digital age must always come first,” said Rep. Houchin.
H.R. 5360 would define “AI chatbot” as an artificial intelligence system, marketed to and available for use by consumers, that engages in interactive, natural-language communication with a user and generates or selects content in response to user inputs (including text, voice, or other inputs) using a conversational context, according to the bill’s text.
“Facebook’s internal documents said it was okay for chatbots to have ‘sensual’ conversations with 12-year-olds,” said Rep. Auchincloss. “Parents disagree, and we’re going to protect our children.”
The measure has been referred to the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee for consideration.