Senator Rick Scott prioritizes the Artificial Intelligence Shield for Kids Act, aimed at protecting children from harm.
Nonetheless, it is essential to tackle the extensive interpretation of children and the problematic characterization of artificial intelligence (AI).
Artificial Intelligence Positive Impact
Artificial intelligence has garnered significant attention recently, with large language models like ChatGPT showcasing its capabilities to generate human-like language despite some issues like generating false information.
While AI presents challenges, including its potential misuse of criminal activities and exaggerated concerns about human extinction, it has also brought about substantial benefits.
AI has contributed to the development of drugs to combat dangerous bacteria, aided farmers in protecting their crops, assisted in various tasks such as writing sermons or placing drive-through orders, and has made advancements in healthcare, dentistry, and mobility assistance for paralyzed individuals. It has even played a role in completing an unfinished song by The Beatles.
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Protecting Children in the Age of AI
However, it is crucial to prioritize the protection of children. Although AI has its merits, not all AI systems are suitable or healthy for children. Issues related to AI usage on social media platforms and addictive algorithms call for parental supervision.
Developers of applications and websites targeting young audiences must provide parents with tools to guide, monitor, and safeguard their children.
Scott’s ACT law embodies two essential principles: parental permission and feature disablement. However, the law categorizes all individuals under 18 as children requiring consent, and it applies to various types of computing systems beyond potentially harmful AI on social media which is presumed to be the primary focus of the law.
Moreover, the law’s breadth is likely to have adverse effects on computer science education and digital citizenship.
The first aspect to consider is the scope of coverage. The law applies universally to all individuals under the age of 18, without accounting for emancipated minors, 17-year-old military personnel, or exceptional students who enter college at 17 or earlier.
Just as we allow children to learn to drive at 15 and obtain their licenses at 16 in many states, adopting a gradual approach to granting access to AI systems covered by the law aligns with youth rights and offers increasing responsibility with growing maturity.
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