Technology Secretary Liz Kendall called on regulator Ofcom to take “immediate action” to protect children from the dangerous elements of AI chatbots.
Mr Kendall told Parliament on Wednesday night that regulators must use existing powers to ensure AI chatbots are safe for children, amid growing concerns within the Department for Technology about the risks they pose.
The technology secretary also said the government would consider how AI chatbot interactions could fit into existing online safety law frameworks.
“Children are growing up in a world shaped by AI, and we need to keep up with that pace,” Kendall said.
“While I am calling on regulators to use their existing powers to protect children from the dangers of AI chatbots, I am also considering what more they can do.
“Ofcom has my backing in clarifying what is expected of AI chatbots and what enforcement actions await companies that fail to meet their obligations.”
The government has committed to holding a child safety summit next year involving experts, tech companies, civil society and young people to consider how AI can benefit children without putting them in harm’s way.
Legislative action is already underway to criminalize the use of AI to create child sexual abuse material, and ministers are said to be working with AI companies and children’s organizations to push for stronger safety standards.
