chatbots

5:17 am on June 16, 2026 · 2026 (253), chatbots (2), itif (9), kids (13), online safety (29)

WEBINAR 16 JUN 16:00 UTC – ITIF – How to Protect Kids From Chatbots Without Bans

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A promotional graphic for an ITIF webinar on a blue digital-network background. At top left is the white ITIF logo with the text “Information Technology & Innovation Foundation.” Centered prominently in large white type is the title “How to Protect Kids From Chatbots Without Bans.” At lower left is the date “June 16, 2026.” The background features flowing abstract white network lines and nodes across the lower half, suggesting data connectivity and technology.

A promotional graphic for an ITIF webinar on a blue digital-network background. At top left is the white ITIF logo with the text “Information Technology & Innovation Foundation.” Centered prominently in large white type is the title “How to Protect Kids From Chatbots Without Bans.” At lower left is the date “June 16, 2026.” The background features flowing abstract white network lines and nodes across the lower half, suggesting data connectivity and technology.
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On 16 June 2026, the Information Technology & Innovation Foundation (ITIF) hosted a webinar ‘How to Protect Kids From Chatbots Without Bans‘.

In the face of growing concerns that children are forming dangerous emotional attachments to AI companions—chatbots that show empathy, ask personal questions, and provide emotional support—many legislators are rushing to ban or severely limit children’s access to these services. Proposals range from strict age verification to outright prohibition. While policymakers have a legitimate interest in protecting children, some of these policies would limit real opportunities to use these tools to benefit children.

ITIF’s panel discussed recently introduced chatbot safety bills up for debate in Congress, including the GUARD Act and CHATBOT Act, and what policymakers, parents, and platforms could do to protect children without bans.

SPEAKERS
Becca Branum – Deputy Director, Free Expression Project, Center for Democracy & Technology (CDT)
Justine Gluck – Policy Analyst, Future of Privacy Forum (FPF)
Juan Londoño – Policy Analyst, Cato Institute
Josh Withrow – Resident Fellow, Technology and Innovation, R Street Institute (RSI)

HOST / MODERATOR
Alex Ambrose – Policy Analyst, ITIF

#AIChatbots #KidsOnline #AIPolicy #ChildSafety

6:48 pm on May 28, 2026 · 2026 (253), ai (60), chatbots (2), data & society (4), online safety (29), wellness (3)

WEBINAR 4 JUN 16:30 UTC – Investigating the Impact of Chatbots on Mental Wellbeing

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Graphic with a dark blue background promoting a research event titled “Investigating the Impact of Chatbots on Mental Wellbeing.” Across the top are the logos of the Pulitzer Center, The AI Accountability Network, and Data & Society in white. Centered in the image is the event title in large dark blue text inside a rounded white rectangle. At the bottom, white text displays the date: “June 4, 2026.”

Graphic with a dark blue background promoting a research event titled “Investigating the Impact of Chatbots on Mental Wellbeing.” Across the top are the logos of the Pulitzer Center, The AI Accountability Network, and Data & Society in white. Centered in the image is the event title in large dark blue text inside a rounded white rectangle. At the bottom, white text displays the date: “June 4, 2026.”
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On Thursday, 4 June 2026, at 12:30-13:30 EDT (16:30-17:30 UTC), the Pulitzer Center will host the AI Accountability Network and Data & Society for a webinar ‘Investigating the Impact of Chatbots on Mental Wellbeing‘.

AI Accountability Network Fellow Patricia Clarke, author of ‘An AI Risk to Mental Health‘, and Data & Society researchers Livia Garofalo and Briana Vecchione, authors of ‘All the Lonely People,’ will discuss how engagement with chatbots is impacting the mental wellbeing of users worldwide, and what needs to be better understood about the ways that chatbots are designed, and how interactions with chatbots can lead users to feel increased loneliness and emotional dependency.

SPEAKERS
Patricia Clarke – Technology Editor, The Observer UK
Livia Garofalo, PhD/MPH – Researcher, Data & Society Research Institute
Briana Vecchione – Researcher, Data & Society Research Institute

#AI #MentalHealth #Chatbots #AIAccountability