Common Sense Media, a leading nonprofit organization, has announced its sponsorship of the Leading Ethical AI Development (LEAD) for Kids Act (AB 1064), a groundbreaking piece of legislation aimed at safeguarding children in the digital age. This bill, introduced by Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan, establishes a framework for the ethical development and use of AI technologies in environments frequented by children, particularly in K-12 education. Key features of the LEAD for Kids Act include:
- Oversight Board: Establishes a standards board to oversee AI systems used by children.
- Risk Assessments: Requires comprehensive risk assessments for AI systems, especially for high-risk applications.
- Prohibitions: Bans harmful AI applications, such as manipulative chatbots and social scoring systems.
- Transparency: Mandates a product registry and incident reporting requirements for AI technologies.
- Parental Consent: Requires parental consent for the use of children's personal information in AI training.
This legislation aims to ensure that as AI technologies become more prevalent in education and social life, they do so with a focus on children's safety, privacy, and well-being, fostering responsible innovation in the tech industry.