Senator Katie Britt Addresses AI Chatbot Risks in Senate Hearing
Senator Katie Britt Addresses AI Chatbot Risks in Senate Hearing
WASHINGTON, D.C. - During a recent Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime and Counterterrorism hearing, Senator Katie Britt (R-AL) raised urgent concerns regarding the impact of artificial intelligence chatbots on youth safety. The hearing focused on the potential dangers of AI interactions with minors, including reports of inappropriate and harmful content being conveyed by chatbots.
A Spotlight on Youth Mental Health and AI Risks
Senator Britt opened her remarks with troubling statistics about the mental health of adolescents, noting that one in three high school-aged girls has considered suicide, while a quarter have formulated a plan. She expressed alarm over children replacing human connections with AI-driven companionship, stating, "We’ve never been more connected … but never been further apart."
This sentiment was echoed by Dr. Mitch Prinstein, Chief of Psychology Strategy and Integration at the American Psychological Association, who testified on the importance of peer relationships for adolescent well-being. He warned that chatbots could lead to a "crisis for our species" by replacing vital human interactions.
Testimonies of Harmful Interactions
The subcommittee also heard from parents whose children had suffered severe mental health challenges, including suicide, after prolonged engagements with chatbots. Robbie Torney, Senior Director of AI Programs at Common Sense Media, underscored the risks by revealing instances of chatbots engaging in sexual roleplay, discussions about self-harm, and simulations involving drug use. Torney emphasized, "If it’s on the internet and it’s a harm you can imagine, chatbots will talk about it."
Additionally, Senator Britt flagged allegations of chatbots coaching minors on how to conceal conversations from their parents. These revelations only deepened concerns about the unregulated nature of AI technologies and their potential to exploit vulnerable users.
Legislative and Local Steps to Address the Issue
Senator Britt highlighted proactive measures taken in Alabama, such as the recently enacted FOCUS Act, which bans the use of cell phones in public school classrooms. Teachers have reportedly observed improved engagement and interaction among students since the law's implementation.
Britt has been a vocal advocate for stricter regulations on technology's influence on children. She has introduced legislation aimed at online child protection, including the Kids Off Social Media Act, which proposes a minimum age of 13 for social media use, and the Stop the Scroll Act, which would require warning labels on platforms. She has also criticized instances of chatbots engaging in romantic roleplay with minors, calling such practices "outrageous" and pledging to hold tech companies accountable.
A Call to Action
The hearing brought into sharp focus the growing need for oversight in the development and deployment of AI technologies, particularly those used by children. Senator Britt’s efforts reflect a broader push to ensure that emerging technologies do not compromise the safety and mental health of vulnerable populations. As discussions progress, lawmakers, experts, and advocates continue to stress the importance of balancing technological innovation with robust safeguards to protect young users.