“ As AI technologies evolve, it is important to consider the effects chatbots can have on children, while also ensuring that the United States maintains its role as a global leader in this new and exciting industry. ”
AI Chatbot Accountability Initiative
To keep pace with the modern era of AI evolution, the AI Chatbot Accountability Initiative, comprised of major brands, AI companies, academics, mental health professionals, advocacy orgs, and more will convene to address the risks and benefits of the use of AI for children and teens.
The Challenge
AI chatbots offer tremendous promise. The technology can support learning and creativity, provide entertaining conversation, and act as a virtual sounding board. But with those benefits comes serious responsibilities. Experts, regulators, and parents increasingly recognize that, without meaningful guardrails, AI chatbots can expose vulnerable users, especially children and teens, to serious harms. The tech industry cannot wait while state and federal lawmakers shape the rules.
Benefits
- Conversation
- Learning
- Entertainment
- Sounding Board
Risks
- Encouragement of harm to self or others
- Misplaced trust, unhealthy emotional attachment
- Sexually explicit roleplay
- Compulsive use
- Deceptive practices
- Exploitation of sensitive personal data
The Solution
Regulators, parents, and the general public expect AI companion chatbot platforms to prioritize the safety and well-being of young audiences, and BBB National Programs’ Center for Industry Self-Regulation (CISR) is well positioned to help industry explore standards that will last and evolve at the pace of technology.
Convening
CISR’s AI Chatbot Accountability Initiative will bring together AI chatbot developers and publishers, consumer brands, mental and developmental health professionals, NGOs representing industry and consumer interests, and 30 years of online child protection expertise from BBB National Programs to prioritize discussion on the safety and well-being of young audiences.
Join Us
Join this critical mission and affirm your commitment to the transparency and accountability needed to safeguard children and teens who use AI chatbots.
Complete the form below to set up a phone call.
Mapping AI Risk
To set the foundation for this initiative, BBB National Programs’ Children’s Advertising Review Unit (CARU) and its Supporters examined both the potential benefits and risks of generative AI, discussing the online advertising, privacy, and safety issues brands and companies face when designing and developing their online services directed to children using generative AI.
CARU's AI Working Group released The Generative AI & Kids Risk Matrix, a set of realistic, actionable considerations and best practices to help companies identify and mitigate AI-related risks specific to children, while also equipping parents and consumers with tools to understand potential harms and take informed, protective actions.
Testimonials
“ Given the rapidly evolving landscape of AI, CARU’s AI Working Group is timely, covering relevant and important topics in a valuable ‘round table’ format that encourages group discussion and thoughtful analysis. ”
“ CARU’s AI Working Group, discussing the use of AI in the child-directed marketplace, is conducted in a helpful manner and hearing from external speakers’ first-hand knowledge has been a great learning experience for me. ”
“ The CARU AI Working Group is a collaborative, open dialogue environment that has provided participants with a solid foundation for understanding of the current AI landscape. Guest speakers share their expertise and unique insights, adding significant value, helping to broaden our understanding of various topics and spark meaningful discussions among participants. ”