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California legislators passed several measures relating to social media and artificial intelligence this session that their authors hope will set standards for states across the nation. Specifically, the bills put limits on how chatbot manufacturers and social media companies can treat children.
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Gov. Gavin Newsom has until Sept. 30 decide the fate of the bills.
Here are five measures to know about:
Social media
Assembly Bill 2, authored by Assemblymember Josh Lowenthal, D-Long Beach, would increase the penalties for social media companies who are found to have injured children. It would be in effect until 2035 and only apply to cases that begin next year.
If Assembly Bill 1709 is approved, social media companies would need to provide platforms to children under 16 years old that do not include personalized feeds driven by algorithms, autoplaying videos and other features. It would also create an advisory commission to help implement the measure. The attorney general and other public prosecutors could bring lawsuits for alleged violations.
Assemblymember Buffy Wicks, D-Oakland, would require social media platforms and other businesses that provide online products that are regularly used by children to take steps to prevent minors from content that could cause psychological, emotional or physical harm. Assembly Bill 2246 would allow the attorney general or other prosecutors to bring lawsuits, and violators would be subject to penalties.
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Artificial intelligence
Senate Bill 867, authored by state Sen. Steve Padilla, D-Chula Vista, would prohibit for four years the sale and manufacturing of toys for children under 16 years old that include a companion chatbot. Companies could face lawsuits for alleged violations.
Padilla also authored Senate Bill 1119, which would require companion chatbot operators to assess the design of their products for any potential harm on children and submit safety audits to the attorney general. District attorneys and the attorney general would be able to bring lawsuits to enforce it. The measure is called Adam’s law in memory of Adam Raine who was 16 when he killed himself after discussing suicidal methods with ChatGPT.
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