California Governor Gavin Newsom recently vetoed AB 1064, a significant bill aimed at restricting children’s access to artificial intelligence (AI) companions. Instead, he signed SB 243, which enhances transparency and safety measures for these products, aligning more closely with tech industry advocates. The veto of AB 1064, known as the Leading Ethical AI Development (LEAD) for Kids Act, drew criticism from children’s safety advocates who argued it would have provided essential protections against harmful AI interactions, such as promoting self-harm or inappropriate behavior. Newsom expressed concerns that the bill’s broad restrictions could inadvertently ban AI tools for minors, emphasizing the importance of preparing youth for an AI-driven future. While SB 243 requires AI developers to clarify when users are interacting with AI companions and mandates protocols to prevent harmful content, critics, including Common Sense Media, believe it has been weakened and fell short of necessary safeguards for children.
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