BBB Offers Insights for Companies Deploying AI in Kids Spaces
Companies developing or deploying AI systems in products aimed at children should consider safeguards such as privacy by design practices and limiting data collection, according to guidelines issued Monday by the Children’s Advertising Review Unit (CARU) of BBB National Programs.
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CARU's safeguards include getting parents involved by obtaining parental consent and providing notice to parents prior to data collection from children.
In an interview with Privacy Daily, CARU Director Rukiya Bonner said that while AI is exciting, people, particularly parents, should be aware of information the technology could collect. As such, she urged that consumers should look at privacy notices to “see what information is being collected" and better understand what's happening.
“Intent is key,” Bonner said.
Moreover, considering the intended audience for an app or tool can help companies decide whether extra precautions are needed, said Bonner. “Whom did you intend that user to be? What are some of the features of that product? … Are there pop culture references? Are there bright colors? Are there stars that are popular with young people, [including] under-thirteens? What is the music? Are there cartoons?”
CARU's safeguards also address other risk areas such as misleading and deceptive advertising, bias and discrimination, lack of transparency and exposure to harmful content.
In addition, the unit announced that its AI Working Group will expand its efforts to address benefits and risks of using AI in spaces with children, such as AI chatbots and companions, under the BBB National Programs’ Center for Industry Self-Regulation (CISR).