Young people are reaching out to Childline with concerns about AI-generated child sexual abuse material, the NSPCC revealed as it launched a new partnership with Common Sense Media. The children’s charity highlighted that Childline has also been contacted regarding harm linked to generative AI, including issues such as the spread of misinformation and bullying.
The collaboration between NSPCC and Common Sense Media aims to advocate for child safety during the development of new AI technology. This partnership will apply pressure on tech firms and policymakers to prioritise child safety and wellbeing in decision-making processes concerning artificial intelligence.
The proliferation of AI tools, especially generative AI chatbots like ChatGPT, has sparked increased debate on how to ensure the safe development of AI technology. The NSPCC emphasizes the high risks children face from unregulated and unsafe AI, calling for their safety and experiences to be central in discussions about AI development and regulations.
As part of the alliance, NSPCC and Common Sense Media will introduce education programs to enhance digital literacy skills in schools. Additionally, they plan to conduct joint research on the impact of generative AI on children, aiming to gain insights into potential risks and ways to address them.
NSPCC Chief Executive Sir Peter Wanless stated, “The risk children face from unregulated and unsafe AI is already far too high, and their safety and experiences must be at the centre of conversations about its development and regulations. This partnership will seek to do that while also empowering young people with digital literacy skills to help them thrive.”
James P Steyer, Founder and Chief Executive of Common Sense Media, stressed the need for global collaboration to ensure children’s best interests are considered in AI design, development, and deployment. He stated, “The NSPCC, and the UK more broadly, is seeing great progress by activating its educators, parents, and policymakers, and we look forward to amplifying their efforts in the US and globally.”
