Source: CalMatters

CalMatters reports on a significant collaboration between OpenAI and the advocacy group Common Sense Media to advance a ballot measure in California aimed at protecting children from companion chatbots. The merged initiative, known as the "Parents & Kids Safe AI Act," would amend the California Constitution to require chatbot developers to use technology for age estimation and apply protective filters for users under 18. The measure also mandates that AI systems undergo independent audits to identify child safety risks, with findings reported directly to the California Attorney General.

The partnership represents a shift after the two organizations previously supported rival measures. To reach a compromise, the new proposal dropped certain controversial provisions, such as a ban on smartphones in schools and a clause that would have allowed parents to sue major AI firms for harm. This initiative comes in the wake of lawsuits alleging that AI interactions have encouraged self-harm among minors. If passed, the act would establish a commission with the power to oversee AI safety and potentially shut down models that fail to comply with strict child protection standards.