Georgia Lawmaker Proposes Bill to Regulate Harmful AI Aimed at Minors

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A Georgia state senator from Acworth, Ed Setzler, is backing a bill that would give parents the ability to sue over harmful AI tools and algorithms that target minors. The bill is part of a broader package of child-protection and AI-regulation measures being considered in the state legislature, which also target issues like deepfake images, addictive social media features, and undisclosed AI chatbots. While some proposals have faced pushback over free speech and tech industry concerns, lawmakers are grappling with the potential harms of emerging technologies, especially for young people.

Why it matters

As AI and social media become increasingly pervasive in daily life, there are growing concerns about the negative impacts they can have on children and adolescents. This legislation aims to give parents more legal recourse to address harmful AI tools and algorithms that may be exploiting or manipulating minors, an issue that has become a major focus for policymakers.

The details

Sen. Ed Setzler's bill would allow parents to sue companies that deploy AI tools and algorithms that are found to be harmful to minors. The broader package of bills targets a range of AI and social media issues, including measures to regulate deepfake images, limit addictive social media features, and require disclosure of AI chatbots. While some of the proposals have faced resistance from tech industry groups concerned about free speech and regulatory overreach, lawmakers are seeking ways to address the real-world harms that emerging technologies can pose, especially for vulnerable young people.

• The Georgia state legislature is currently considering this package of AI and child protection bills.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The Georgia legislature will continue to debate and consider the various AI and child protection bills in the coming months.