Ala. (WSFA) – A new artificial intelligence chatbot has been launched, specifically for users under the age of 18
OpenAI announced ChatGPT for teens, which they said will have added safety features.
The launch of the platform comes as Alabama lawmakers continue to determine how they will regulate artificial intelligence in the 2027 legislative session.
“Are these changes enough? Will they do the job that it’s saying it will? And I do think it’s a step in the right direction, but I think it’s still too early to see,” said Rep. Ben Robbins, R-Sylacauga.
Rep. Robbins said ChatGPT for teens is a good place to start in the effort of keeping teens safe in an emerging world of artificial intelligence. The question, which may take some time to answer, is whether the safety features are effective, or if teens are able to bypass the guardrails.
According to OpenAI, the program is specifically designed for 13-to-17-year-olds and comes with features such as ‘study mode.’
“This is a dedicated learning-focused experience for teens with additional protections and safeguards,” said Laura Jonas, Head of Youth and families at OpenAI.
Parental controls have been a focus of Alabama’s Commission on AI and Kids’ Safety, whose members include Rep. Robbins and Sen. Robert Stewart, D-Selma.
“Oversight is going to be important to ensure that we’re keeping our children safe and that we’re able to support our children and parents as well,” said Sen. Stewart.
OpenAI said if their system estimates that someone is younger than 18-years-old, they will automatically be placed into ChatGPT for Teens.
The system also will allow parents to set quiet hours and get safety notifications if their teen is discussing graphic or dangerous topics.
“Looping the parents in, I think, is vital,” said Rep. Robbins. “I think it’s going to be one of the most important things that’s done by ChatGPT, and I think in terms of policy too, involvement in parental empowerment will be the most important tool that we use.”
Rep. Robbins said lawmakers could gear legislation towards parental and child education on artificial intelligence and data privacy.
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