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Children’s advocacy research highlights need for AI legislation in CT

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Connecticut Voices for Children has released a report on proposed artificial intelligence regulation to protect children online.

The research-based advocacy organization released the report Beyond the Algorithm: A.I. Governance for Building Safe Digital Futures. It presents ideas for policy and legislation to address concerns surrounding AI in the context of children’s safety.

The report states that more than 30 states have passed or proposed laws to address AI concerns. It highlights the urgency of further resolution by pointing to the more than 140 AI-related bills that have been introduced to Congress.

Carmen Clarkin is a research and policy associate for the organization. Clarkin said the organization conducted a literature review to better understand the regulatory landscape. By examining existing A.I. practices in other states, the group could draft ideas that might be implemented in Connecticut.

“These examples show us that greeting thoughtful A.I. legislation that balances innovation and regulation is not only possible, it's necessary,” Clarkin said.

The key policy recommendations include establishing measures for bias detection and continuous monitoring, centering transparency, and protecting consumers. The report utilized the frameworks that address AI concerns from Colorado, Minnesota, and Utah. She says the group reviewed existing AI governance practices to provide suggestions in Connecticut.

“Because children are particularly vulnerable, safeguarding them in this context requires intentionality. Policy and practices in our youth's best interest need to be one of the things at the center of the A.I. conversation, ” Clarkin said.

About one-third of 13-to 17-year-olds reported being on social media sites almost constantly every day, according to a 2023 Pew survey cited in the report. The survey also found that 40 percent of children ages 8-12 use social media.

The report emphasized that the level of engagement raises important questions about “how the data generated by these interactions is used and the long-term implications for children’s privacy and autonomy.”

“Strengthening data protection and privacy are essential steps for safeguarding individuals, particularly children, from the risk associated with extensive data collection and misuse perpetuated by artificial intelligence,” Clarkin said.

The group wants to create a policy that protects children from predatory marketing, biased microtargeting and over-surveillance, and privacy violations. It calls on collaboration from policymakers, technology companies, educators, and other stakeholders.

Jeniece Roman is a reporter with WSHU, who is interested in writing about Indigenous communities in southern New England and Long Island, New York.