LINCOLN, Neb. (KOLN) — Nebraska senators heard bills Monday afternoon that would put guardrails in place for AI programs, trying to ensure tech companies can continue to innovate while protecting the most vulnerable.
Pew Research Data show that 64% of teens say they use AI chatbots, including three in 10 who use them daily.
As CDC data shows suicide is the second leading cause of death among 10- to 24-year-olds, lawmakers around the world are grappling with how to stop people — especially children — from seeking mental health advice from chatbots that can’t feel empathy.
“When kids use chatbots as therapists, they’re likely to get into a lot of trouble,” said Mary Vipher, a licensed therapist. “Not only suicide, because there are many documented cases of suicide, but they also have a hard time thinking they’re getting help when they’re not.”
Lincoln Senator Eliot Bostar introduced LB1185which would add a series of measurable protections for AI chatbots, including repeated disclosures every three hours to remind users that they are not talking to a real person.
It has support from developers like Google, whose representative told the Banking, Commerce and Insurance Committee on Monday that he recognizes that children have unique developmental needs.
“LB 1185 is a thoughtful, risk-based bill that addresses critical safety issues while preserving the opportunity for young people to benefit from this transformative technology,” said lobbyist Tim Hruza.
Sen. Tanya Storer of Whitman introduced a bill requiring transparency around these company security policies.
LB1083 would also require companies to report security incidents to the attorney general for investigation.
No one testified against either bill, with supporters like Andrew Doris of the Secure AI Project saying it is a good-faith effort to balance innovation and consumer protection.
“We think the smart way to balance these two truths is to allow AI developers to write their own security standards, but ask them to be transparent about what they are so we can hold them to their own promises,” Doris said.
Monday’s episode of Lunch & Legislature included a closer look at these AI-related bills and their potential impacts, which you can watch by clicking here.
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