In a recent meeting of the New York State Legislature, lawmakers emphasized the urgent need for consumer protection and safety measures regarding artificial intelligence (AI) products, particularly those that may impact children. The discussions highlighted a growing concern over the potential harms of AI technologies, especially as they become more integrated into daily life.

Lawmakers pointed out that, for decades, consumer safety laws have ensured that products like cribs and car seats meet strict safety standards. They argued that similar protections must extend to AI products, which can pose significant risks to children. One lawmaker stressed, “Keeping kids safe online is something all New Yorkers want,” urging immediate action to prevent potential harm rather than waiting for incidents to occur.

The meeting featured insights from industry representatives, including IBM, which has established an AI ethics board to oversee the development and deployment of its technologies. This board evaluates the safety and ethical implications of AI products, ensuring that they are designed with consumer protection in mind. IBM has already made decisions to halt the sale of certain facial recognition technologies due to concerns over bias, demonstrating a proactive approach to ethical AI use.

Another key topic was the alarming statistic from a recent report by Common Sense Media, revealing that 70% of teens have used generative AI without their parents' knowledge. This raises significant concerns about the exposure of young users to potentially harmful content. One advocate suggested that warning labels on AI products could help inform parents and protect children, but emphasized that such measures alone are insufficient. She called for comprehensive policy requirements to ensure that AI applications are designed with safety as a priority.

The discussions at this meeting reflect a critical moment in the intersection of technology and consumer safety. As AI continues to evolve, lawmakers and industry leaders are recognizing the necessity of implementing robust protections to safeguard the well-being of children and families. The call for action is clear: proactive measures are essential to prevent future harm and ensure that technological advancements do not come at the expense of public safety.