Lawmakers in Olympia, Washington, have introduced a new bill aimed at regulating artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots, reflecting growing concerns about their impact on society. The proposed legislation, titled Senate Bill 5984, seeks to address issues arising from the interaction between humans and AI, particularly concerning emotional attachments to these digital companions.
One of the bill’s sponsors, State Senator Sharon Shewmake, explained that the legislation stems from alarming reports of individuals forming unhealthy relationships with chatbots. “This comes out of stories about people falling in love with their chatbot,” Shewmake stated via email. The rise of AI companions like ChatGPT and Character.AI has led to instances where individuals, particularly vulnerable teenagers, have experienced negative psychological effects, including suicidal ideation.
The proposed legislation mandates that chatbots must clearly declare their non-human status, stating, “I am not human” or “I am not a real person,” with these reminders repeated every three hours. This requirement aims to mitigate the risk of users developing emotional dependencies on these AI entities, which some legislators believe could lead to psychological distress.
Broader Implications of AI Regulation
The introduction of this bill reflects a broader trend among lawmakers grappling with the rapid integration of AI into daily life. Other proposed measures include restrictions on AI’s role in hiring and firing processes, legal representation, and even medical assistance. One notable bill in California has been dubbed “No robo bosses,” aimed at preventing AI from taking over managerial roles.
Moreover, these legislative efforts extend to educational environments, where there are concerns over the use of AI in disciplinary actions. The legislation seeks to ensure that no student faces punishment based solely on decisions made by automated systems without human oversight. This reflects a growing desire among legislators to maintain human involvement in critical decision-making processes.
Despite these efforts, challenges remain. The influence of technology lobbyists has previously hindered the progress of AI-related legislation. Last year, significant concerns emerged regarding the proliferation of deepfake technologies, yet attempts to regulate them did not succeed.
Exploring Other Technological Issues
As the debate over AI continues, Washington legislators are also addressing other pressing technological advancements. This includes a bill aimed at regulating 3D printed firearms, which can be manufactured in violation of traditional gun sale laws. The proposed legislation would require such printers to incorporate intelligent software to block the production of weapon blueprints.
In addition, some lawmakers are pursuing legislation to prevent employers from microchipping employees, a contentious issue that has yet to materialize significantly. Other bills reflect more fringe concerns, such as weather modification. One proposal mandates that airports report on any aircraft involved in weather modification activities, responding to public fears linked to the “chemtrail” conspiracy theory.
The growing complexity of these issues highlights the struggle legislators face in keeping pace with technological advancement. As Senator Shewmake noted, “I do not think anyone really knows what to do here” regarding the rapid rise of AI technologies.
As the legislative session progresses, Washington’s lawmakers are expected to continue tackling these multifaceted issues that straddle the line between innovation and ethical considerations. The current climate suggests a need for comprehensive discussions on the implications of technology in society, especially as it intertwines with human experience and wellbeing.
