From WIRED · Isabella Ward · · 1m 20s
The EU wants to break up kids and their chatbots
New rules would ban AI from simulating emotions with minors and strip memory between conversations.
In brief
New rules would ban AI from simulating emotions with minors and strip memory between conversations. The EU Kids Act treats chatbot dependency like social media addiction, imposing strict limits on how AI can interact with children under 18. Originally reported by WIRED.
EU bans emotional chatbots for kids
The EU Kids Act will prohibit chatbots from simulating emotions or relationships with anyone under 18, aiming to prevent children from developing emotional dependencies on AI.
“Platforms have been playing fast and loose with children's mental health.”
Under 13s need parental permission
Children under 13 will be banned from accessing chatbots without guardian supervision, and platforms face fines up to 6 percent of worldwide turnover for non-compliance.
No memory between conversations
Chatbots operating in the EU cannot retain memory of past interactions, preventing systems from accumulating sensitive data about minors and reinforcing harmful patterns over time.
Platforms can't push AI by default
Social media sites and games must stop automatically activating or promoting AI chatbots, including pinning them to contact lists like Snapchat did.
Kids using AI for homework score lower
Research across 91 countries shows children who use chatbots for schoolwork get lower test scores, raising concerns about cognitive development and basic skill loss.
Deepfakes and intimate advice worry regulators
The EU is concerned about chatbots generating sexual deepfakes of minors and giving dangerous advice on mental health that could encourage risky behavior.
The main idea
The EU Kids Act treats chatbot dependency like social media addiction, imposing strict limits on how AI can interact with children under 18.
