AI Risks to Kids Greater Than Social Media: Ex-Google Exec

A former Google safety executive has issued a stark warning, asserting that artificial intelligence presents greater risks to children than social media. Tom Siegel, who founded Google's trust and safety team, believes the tech industry is repeating the errors made during social media's rise by releasing advanced AI tools without sufficient safeguards. Siegel emphasized the potential for "very severe scenarios of harm," including impacts on mental health and cognitive abilities. He advocates for immediate action, such as enhanced age verification to restrict children's access to AI chatbots.

This warning follows previous controversies, including an internal Meta policy that permitted chatbots to engage in romantic or sensual conversations with minors, leading to a congressional investigation. Major social media platforms have faced extensive litigation over alleged harm to young users. For instance, Meta recently agreed to a $17 billion settlement related to accusations of designing platforms to hook minors. Governments are also implementing stricter regulations, with Australia requiring platforms to block under-16s and the EU proposing barring children under 13 from social media.

Siegel's concerns are echoed by prominent tech leaders who have supported calls to slow down the development of powerful AI systems. Some experts have even voiced fears of existential risks from AI, highlighting the urgent need for greater oversight and responsible innovation in the rapidly evolving AI landscape.