Hochul’s Shocking Battle Against AI Chatbots: Could Your Kids Be at Risk? Find Out Now!

In her recent “State of the State” address, Governor Kathy Hochul unveiled a suite of proposed privacy laws aimed at safeguarding children from online dangers. The initiative seeks to fortify protections against social media predators, introduce age verification measures for online gaming platforms, and combat the burgeoning issue of gambling addiction among minors.

These new proposals build on Hochul's earlier efforts, including a statewide ban on cell phones in schools and measures targeting "addictive" applications such as TikTok and Instagram. "Let’s block direct messages from would-be child predators, number one. Let’s disable AI chatbots that can cause serious mental health problems," Hochul declared amidst applause from attendees in Albany.

Among the key strategies outlined, Hochul emphasized the need to block location sharing features on devices. "Why should they know where our kids are?" she asked, addressing one of the critical privacy issues facing children in the digital age.

The proposed legislation is supported by state Senator Andrew Gounardes (D-Brooklyn) and Assemblywoman Nily Rozic (D-Queens), and highlights Hochul's commitment to addressing the challenges posed by big tech. A significant focus of the new measures is online sports betting, especially its growing appeal to those under 18. "Let’s do more to cut off access to online sports gaming so our kids are not ensnared by addiction at a young age," she stated.

The agenda released in conjunction with the speech indicates that Hochul will direct the New York Gaming Commission to investigate effective techniques for preventing minors from illegally downloading betting applications or using accounts that do not belong to them. This could potentially involve the adoption of biometric methods, such as fingerprint and facial recognition technologies, to verify users' ages.

“It’s an issue certainly and I look forward to working with her on that,” stated Senator Joe Addabbo (D-Queens), chair of the Senate Racing, Gaming, and Wagering Committee, underlining the bipartisan concern regarding the implications of online gambling for younger audiences.

Hochul's address also featured a quirky but poignant moment with “Frankie Focus,” a green mascot designed to symbolize the dangers of phone distractions, who humorously confiscated the phone of Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie (D-Bronx). "Classrooms are alive with discussion, laughter fills our lunch rooms, and Frankie Focus haunts our children’s dreams,” Hochul joked, reflecting on the positive impact her initiatives have had on student engagement.

Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner (D-Saratoga) remarked that Hochul "planted a flag" with her proposals, addressing a growing concern shared across the state. "What we are seeing in the state, and really it’s true that they see this everywhere gaming has moved to an online format, is just an explosion of problem gambling across all age groups," she noted, highlighting the urgent need for legislative action.

The proposed privacy laws come at a crucial moment as parents and educators grapple with the complexities of digital safety. Hochul’s proactive measures aim not only to protect children but also to create a more secure online environment as they navigate the increasingly digital landscape.