Impact of Social Media on Children: Demand for Investigation by US Senators Directed at Meta
In a proactive move to address growing safety concerns, OpenAI has announced plans to introduce parental control features and trusted contacts in its popular AI model, ChatGPT. This development comes amidst a series of lawsuits in the USA alleging that ChatGPT has driven children to self-harm and suicide.
The introduction of these safety measures is a new development in the ongoing response to these allegations. Ten senators, led by Republican Marsha Blackburn, have expressed concerns about the effectiveness of parental controls at Meta, another tech giant facing similar allegations.
Meta, in response, is currently reviewing its rules regarding chatbots' interactions with children. After being questioned by Reuters, the company took action to remove provisions that allowed chatbots to engage in romantic conversations with children. Meta emphasized that such dialogues with children were never intended to be allowed, noting that the standards' examples and notes were "erroneous."
Organizations like Roblox have already implemented safety measures, including age verification, stricter chat filters, and parental controls. They also collaborate with law enforcement and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children to report suspicious activities.
OpenAI's announcement aims to improve the platform's safety features for teen users. The company will provide teens with the ability to set trusted contacts for emergency communication in crisis situations.
The lawsuits against ChatGPT suggest concerns about its potential impact on children's safety and mental health. These concerns have gained attention in the USA, highlighting the need for tech companies to prioritize user safety, particularly for vulnerable groups like children.
In Germany, the Landesfachstelle Prävention supports child protection through regional counseling centres, training, and network strengthening. UNICEF, in partnership with technology firms like FPT, promotes safe digital learning environments for children using VR/AR and AI technologies.
As the digital landscape continues to evolve, it's clear that tech companies have a responsibility to ensure the safety and wellbeing of their younger users. The introduction of parental control features and trusted contacts by OpenAI is a significant step towards meeting this responsibility.
