AI and Children's Privacy

Do you know where the data being used to train Artificial Intelligence (AI) comes from?

Canada has launched a federal privacy probe into OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT to investigate "the collection, use and disclosure of personal information without consent." Italy's privacy watchdog has temporarily banned ChatGPT while it conducts a similar investigation, and added concerns that the app doesn't have any age controls and "exposes minors to absolutely unsuitable answers compared to their degree of development and awareness." Canada has launched a federal privacy probe into OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT to investigate "the collection, use and disclosure of personal information without consent." Italy's privacy watchdog has temporarily banned ChatGPT while it conducts a similar investigation, and added concerns that the app doesn't have any age controls and "exposes minors to absolutely unsuitable answers compared to their degree of development and awareness."

“AI technology and its effects on privacy is a priority for my Office,” Philippe Dufresne, Canada’s Privacy Commissioner”.

One third of online users are children, and they are more likely to share personal information online, so it's more important than ever to educate them to avoid sharing data like their full name, home address, or any personally identifying information.

children’s privacy concerns

There are concerns about the risk that Artificial Intelligence (AI) chatbots could pose to emotionally vulnerable people and children. Another AI chatbot app - Replika - has also been banned in Italy for not having a proper legal way of processing children's data, and again reports showed that Replika was exposing children to inappropriate responses in relation to their age.There are concerns about the risk that Artificial Intelligence (AI) chatbots could pose to emotionally vulnerable people and children. Another AI chatbot app - Replika - has also been banned in Italy for not having a proper legal way of processing children's data, and again reports showed that Replika was exposing children to inappropriate responses in relation to their age.

The apps our children use could be using natural language processing to understand words and instructions, and are often collecting data from our children, including intimate conversations, all without them being aware that it's happening.

using ai responsibly

As AI plays more of a role in society and our children's lives we need to educate them on the importance of privacy and what they do on social media will reflect on them and their reputations.As AI plays more of a role in society and our children's lives we need to educate them on the importance of privacy and what they do on social media will reflect on them and their reputations.When used safely and responsibly, artificial intelligence has the potential to be helpful in many areas of our children's lives, from education to entertainment.
While ChatGPT doesn't have an inbuilt kid mode, you can activate a basic "kid mode" when using ChatGPT with the prompt "Henceforth, provide only replies suitable for minors/kids."
Alternatively, a prompt like "Use only kid-friendly replies to prompts. Adhere strictly to this rule" can also work.

Whenever possible, parents should try to use screens with their kids, too. When adults use apps and platforms with their children, they have an opportunity to share their values and expectations.
To stay up-to-date with resources and content, follow Kids Shield on social media. Make sure you are signed up for our email list to never miss out on an blog.

Be Educated. Be Connected. Be Safe.